Field Day at Gila Woodnet: Johnson-Su Bioreactor Construction and Filling

Join us for a field day on Johnson-Su Bioreactor Construction and Filling on November 13, 2022, at Gila Woodnet!

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to construct and fill Johnson-Su Bioreactors. Created by New Mexico State University’s very own Dr. David C. Johnson and his wife Hui-Chun Su, the Johnson-Su Bioreactor is an ideal method of composting in dry, arid climates as it reduces water usage up to six times compared to other composting methods. Little labor is required after the initial set-up as it is a completely no-turn composting process (no need for a tractor or hours of shoveling!). The compost created in these bioreactors is biologically diverse, fungally dominated, and has exceptional potential to regenerate poor and degraded soils. → Learn more about the Johnson-Su system.

General Field Day Schedule:

12:00-12:15 p.m.: Introductions
12:15-12:35 p.m.: Tour of location and biochar energy system
12:35-1:00 p.m.: Introduction to Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactors
1:00-2:45 p.m.: Bioreactor construction and filling
2:45-3:15 p.m.: Break and snacks
3:15-5:00 p.m.: Bioreactor construction and filling

After the field day, enjoy a free, grant-funded meal at Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery, where you’ll have a chance to make and strengthen connections with other people in the sustainable agriculture sector.

What to Wear/Bring:

• Work clothes and work boots
• Sun protection
• Water bottle
• Gloves and goggles
• Face mask (recommended for filling the bioreactors, which can be a dusty process)

Directions:
Gila Woodnet is 5 miles east of Silver City from the last light at 32nd street bypass. 

This is a free field day, but participation is capped at 30 people. To save your spot, please preregister at https://www.crucescreatives.org/event-5009922.

This field day is part of the Seeding Regenerative Agriculture Project, made possible thanks to generous funding from the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the New Mexico Foundation.