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Researching how to farm with fungi

The Farming with Fungi project is also a research study. We are investigating whether inoculating seedlings with fungi and bacteria affect the yield, nutrition or amount of carbon absorbed by plants or soil. To evaluate our approach, we will undertake several studies of the Myco Market Garden. We will measure the carbon content of the soil and plants, the nutritional density of crops and use nanopore DNA sequencing to get an overview of the microorganisms present in the soil. We are archiving soil and DNA samples in case opportunities arise for further studies.

What are we researching?

We have three main research questions:

• Does farming with fungi affect crop health?
• Does farming with fungi increase carbon sequestration?
• What are the effects of crop rotation?

The Myco Market Garden will include three test plots for each of the combinations of crops and conditions listed below, in randomised locations. Samples we be collected, tested and reported annually, in late summer.

Crops: Potato, Onion, Lettuce, Carrot, Brassica, Rye

Conditions: 

• No rotation + AMF + biofertiliser inoculation
• Rotation + AMF + biofertiliser inoculation
• No rotation and no inoculation

Measurements

Do you want to get involved?

The bioregional lab will run a training session once per year. This will be an opportunity to learn some skills for studying mushrooms and fungi using the bentolab. For updates follow us on social media or sign-up to our newsletter.