Plants live in soil. But a plant’s roots live in an area called the rhizosphere, which can be quite different than the soil in which plants grow. Understanding this area is critical to understanding the real value of organic matter, the Energy Food Web, and how carbon enters the soil. Robert Pavlis takes a close look at soil microbes and how soil characteristics influence them. He follows organic matter as it's added to soil to understand what role it plays in their lives. Then he takes a closer view of the rhizosphere itself, a place where plants are in charge and create a habitat that suits them. Plants carry out warfare with microbes and manipulate their populations to suit their own interests. It's no accident that mycorrhizal fungi are attracted to the area!

A natural pond is one that requires no electricity, pumps, or chemicals. When designed correctly, such a pond can remain algae-free and require almost no work. In this workshop, Robert Pavlis walks you through some special design considerations and the construction process that will allow you to create such a pond yourself.