CT NOFA > Blog > Microscopy Training Courses for Winter/Spring 2025

Microscopy Training Courses for Winter/Spring 2025

2025 Microscopy Training Banner

December 13, 2024

CT NOFA has a new roster of microscopy courses slated for early in 2025. Trainings include 3 recorded virtual sessions (made available to participants at time of registration) and 1 in-person session, at which participants will receive an OMAX digital compound microscope to keep. Participants will choose their in-person training location/date at registration from the list, below.

Course Information

Participants will view various soils and composts, looking at the different soil structures and the microbes that thrive in healthy soil. Demonstrations include how to prepare a slide for viewing, what you might find and how to evaluate your findings. Participants will be trained to analyze the following:

  • Bacteria : Fungi ratios – what they mean and why they’re important
  • Aggregate structure in soil/compost
  • Bacteria numbers and diversity
  • Quality of fungi and what that means for your soil
  • Predators – identify and quantify both aerobic and anaerobic microbes
  • Compost tea and extracts – microbial populations that exist in real time

Throughout the training we will discuss ways to create healthy, living soil using regenerative agriculture techniques. At the completion of the training you will be ready to use your microscope to evaluate soil and compost, with the ability to store the information in written and visual form, to share, and compare with future samples.

Training includes:

  • OMAX Digital Compound Microscope (yours to keep)
  • 3 Recorded Virtual Training Sessions
  • 1 In-Person training

COURSE COST IS $600.

Click here to register.

Recent Posts

Organic Record Keeping Checklist: Processing and Handling

June 18, 2026

Thanks to support through the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program, CT NOFA has made available this Organic Processing and Handling record keeping checklist.

CT NOFA Launches Equipment Share Program

June 2, 2026

CT NOFA is proud to announce the launch of our Equipment Share Program. In partnership with The Hickories in Ridgefield, Connecticut, this program aims to provide both commercial farmers and home gardeners free access to both specialized equipment and expertise in a shared environment. Equipment Share days at The Hickories will include free soil analysis, seed winnowing services, nut cleaning, compost tea brewing workshops, and much more.

Event Calendar

  • Microscopy: The Doctor is In!

    Wednesday, July 15 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at The Hickories

    Join CT NOFA at The Hickories in Ridgefield on Wednesday, July 15 from 1:00pm-3:00pm for microscope ...

  • Biochar Demonstration

    Sunday, July 19 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at The Hickories

    Join Liz Dupont-Diehl at The Hickories on Sunday, July 19 for a demonstration on the process for cre...

  • Compost Tea Brewing Workshop

    Wednesday, July 22 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at The Hickories

    Join CT NOFA at The Hickories in Ridgefield on Wednesday, July 22 from 1:00pm-3:00pm for a Compost T...