Video examples

We're building out the video section to support the "how to" part of the citizen science experiments. So please hang in there. Here are some samples! More arriving as volunteers (Kelvin) finish them.
Lawn Experiment Demonstration

In this video we demonstrate the basic “Lawn Experiment.” This experiment is designed to test whether the fungal dominant compost (FDC) can restore carbon to soil. We will observe changes to the soil and plants.

For full instructions see “Lawn Experiment Demonstration“

How is the inoculant made? Here Scott gives us a demonstration of the bioreactor filling process: the start of a two year waiting process. Thanks Scott.
How to make Fungal Dominant Compost (FDC)
Bioreactor filling process

Scott Hortop was kind enough to give us a demo of how he prepares the base material for the composting process that results in the fungal dominant inoculant (FDC).

Did you know the inoculant has between 300 and 1,700 different fungi in it? Wow eh.

We will be adding a downloadable pdf and video of the bioreactor assembly process as soon as Kelvin can build one. Video/graphic support appreciated. See our “who we are” page to volunteer.

Scott mixes up some inoculant for use as a spray. This solution is also useful to water into lawns or onto recent plantings. The ratio is about 50g FDC to 5 to 15 litres of water. Enjoy!
Mixing an inoculant for spray or soak

Some of our experiments use the FDC as a soak or spray. Like the new lawn experiment.

To mix the FDC for use as a foliar spray or as a lawn or garden soak

  • put the inoculant in about 20 parts water to one part inoculant. This means 1/3 the lawn experiment material (50g) to about 3-5 gallons or 15liters of water.
    Tip: We suggest using a 5 gallon bucket as they are everywhere.
  • shake, stir, vibrate vigorously for around 10 minutes.
    Tip: The solution can rest, you can add other stuff, but basically, stir vigerously, strain if using a spray or watering can to avoid plugging the rose and;
  • apply the muddy water to your lawn, garden, tree planting.

Remember: Don’t throw away the sludge; this still contains lots of beneficial organisms and is especially useful for preparing planting spots for shrubs and seedlings.

Sue reports on inoculating spinach seeds
These are Sue’s hands showing you how to apply the tiny amount of inoculant needed to get your seeds off to a great start.
Sue plants spinach

Sue plants her spinach. She reports back that the ONfungi seeds sprouted earlier and appear to be growing faster than the non inoculated. The inoculated seed also weathered a snow storm better.

Net results were quite interesting as you can see in the next video.

Note the tiny amount of FDC required for inoculating seed!

Kelvin’s best yet video! Check out the slow mo water. smile. And here are Sue’s hands showing off her spinach results.
Sue’s results

See for yourself the difference between inoculated/not seed. All plants survived a cold snap including the cover blowing off and being covered by snow. Note that the inoculated soil worked quite well but is not shown here.

  • The plants in the inoculated soil were the largest (4″).
  • Inoculated seed had the largest measured root and second highest growth (3″).
  • The control non treated soil grew good spinach. However, root and plant size were the smallest (2″; much thinner/sparser roots).

All plants were healthy. Planted in good garden soil. Tasted delcious.

Here Scott gives us a quick seed inoculant and beet seed planting lesson.
Planting beet seeds

Scott plants beet seeds. Note how he uses a “limited till” system where he puts the seed into little pockets drilled into a clover field.

Due to environmental issues there were no results reported.