• It is known that organic matter introduced to soil stimulates soil microbial populations and soil biological activity.

• However, by diverting the material and refining it into a marketable product, many added benefits are acheived such as reduced waste disposal, soil enhancement and possibly revenue for the municipality.

• Plant requirements for water and nutrients are plant-specific and site-specific (dependent on soil type and climate) and information on these requirements need to be obtained from local information sources.

• The accurate estimation of the rate of carbon change in Canada's agricultural soils is a difficult undertaking.

• Very simple learning tools were used to enable farmers to investigate the impact of rainfall on their soil.

• As a consequence of the changes introduced in soil management by the redesign of the farm systems, the farmers were able to improve the SOC