In this video volunteer participant Janice Reid applies the biotic tea to an area of grass under a maple tree. Conditions noted included the poor health of the tree and the Microbiometer tests came in at 300 ug/g in the first area and 365 in the second. Both those results indicate "poor" soil and low carbon. Low carbon means few carbon lifeforms such as protozoa, nematodes, bacteria, or fungi. No wonder the tree is struggling. We look forward to our test results coming spring 2022.
Special thanks to Janice Reid for her generosity of time and spirit. Kelvin Hodges for yet another video. Bensound for putting his jazz online.
In this video we demonstrate the basic “Lawn Experiment”. This experiment is designed to test how well the ONfdc (fungal dominant compost) can restore carbon to lawn soil. We will observe changes to the soil and plants.
This test probes the carbon storage potential of lawns. Asking, “Can we sequester CO2 with a lawn?” And “can we have a better looking lawn for less money and effort.”
Note: NASA estimates there are 40 million acres of lawn in North America. Many of these lawns rely on time consuming and expensive pesticides and fertilizers; which may also have negative health consequences. ONfungi is using science to remove the burden of material, time and money from lawn care. We are testing ONfdc in lawns. Our first experiment in 2021 was very positive. Our second test launched Fall 2021. First reports coming in April! But we need more data to fill the charts.
Join in!
Update Feb 17, 2022: we have another experiment launched! Thank you SueH!
Lawn test instructions
This experiment uses a lawn soak.
Mix the ONfungi biotic in water
Begin by taking a 5 gallon bucket. Fill with 15 liters / 3 gallons water.
Tip: Let chlorinated water sit for 24 hours before using. You may use more or less water. Even 10 times more water. Just note the amount of water in your observations. The basic ratio is 100 grams biotic to water.
Stir for 10 minutes
Use a paint paddle and drill if you like. The more you stir the better the solution. Experimenters have reported the material dissolved “surprisingly well” with little material seen in the strainer.
Strain
Using a simple kitchen strainer, strain the water to remove particles that might block your application device. Any leftover bits are very useful for seed starting or as garden soil amendment.
Apply the soak
Cloudy day or evening are good times to apply
If the soil is dry watering in after may help.
Note lawn area details
- Record or photograph the area to be treated. Note discolouration or thin patches
- Size (For the video test we used an area of 10×15 feet (roughly 1.5m to 3m).) Any size area may be reported, just let us know.
- Ideally measure fungal/bacteria ratio and carbon present in the soil before applying the FDC.
Note: ONfungi has the test kit and apparatus. Please contact us. If you are within 20km of one of our research volunteers (Perth or Almonte) you are likely to be eligible for FREE fall and spring soil tests.
Bi weekly observations
- Measure roots. Cut a small piece of turf or pull a small plug, measure the depth of the roots and photograph
- Observe grass length in 5 locations of the treated plot
- Note discolouration of lawn
- IF possible; record “MicroBiometer” test results on application and follow up seasonally
