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Image for event: Science of Compost: How to Create "Super" Soil

Science of Compost: How to Create "Super" Soil

2026-03-18 18:00:00 2026-03-18 19:30:00 America/Chicago Science of Compost: How to Create "Super" Soil Learn how compost makes "super" soil! Brenda Peculis, volunteer composting instructor, master naturalist and emeritus biochemistry MU faculty member, will explain the microorganisms, thermal phases of composting and share bokashi fermentation techniques that can improve and speed the process. Co-sponsored by the Boone's Lick Master Naturalists and the City of Columbia Volunteer Programs. Adults. Columbia Public Library - Friends Room

Wednesday, March 18
6:00pm - 7:30pm

Learn how compost makes "super" soil! Brenda Peculis, volunteer composting instructor, master naturalist and emeritus biochemistry MU faculty member, will explain the microorganisms, thermal phases of composting and share bokashi fermentation techniques that can improve and speed the process. Co-sponsored by the Boone's Lick Master Naturalists and the City of Columbia Volunteer Programs. Adults.

Backyard composters, gardeners and plant enthusiasts will find lots of important information this presentation focused on the science behind why compost is key to soil health. Good compost unlocks soil nutrients, helps fight soil-borne pests and plant diseases and enhances water conservation — and it diverts organic material from our landfills.  

Brenda Peculis, a City of Columbia volunteer composting Iinstructor and Missouri master naturalist, will dig into the microorganisms and thermal phases that produce this essential soil amendment, and how we can optimize the process with this knowledge. She will also break down the microbes and unique, specialized microenvironment that allows bokashi (fermentation/composting) to yield microbial-enriched building blocks that can speed up backyard composting dramatically.

Dr. Peculis is an emeritus faculty member with the University of Missouri department of biochemistry. She loves to lead composting workshops, in part because she appreciates the biology and biochemistry of compost. Co-sponsored by the Boone's Lick Master Naturalists and the City of Columbia Volunteer Programs.

Adults.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Health & Wellness | General | Featured |

TAGS: | Sustainability | Science | Nature | Co-sponsored |

Columbia Public Library

Phone: 573-443-3161

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Call for accommodations or email ada@dbrl.org.

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