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Hey folks— I’m an undergrad researcher working on a soil biology project that looks at how partially spent mushroom substrate (mostly oyster) influences soil regeneration. I used a basic CO₂ meter inside sealed containers to test microbial respiration over time—comparing substrate-amended soil to untreated control soil.

The results? The SMS-treated soil consistently showed higher microbial activity (aka more CO₂ release), even when nutrients like nitrates and pH began to shift. I’m now connecting this with mycelial memory, carbon cycling, and regenerative soil strategies.

This was all part of a student research expo—so I kept it DIY: no $10K lab gear, just solid methodology and consistency. The community’s feedback has been incredible so far, and it’s made me realize how much untapped potential there is in using SMS not just as waste, but as a real soil amendment tool.

I’m sharing this in case: • You’ve ever tossed your substrate and wondered what else it could do • You’re working with compost, degraded soils, or garden amendments • You’re interested in fungi beyond fruiting—into their ecological legacy

Would love to hear if any of you are using SMS like this—or want to. I’ve attached my poster + visuals if anyone’s curious. Happy to chat!

-This has me thinking a lot about fungal succession, myco-composting, and what a low-cost, high-impact soil renewal system could look like on degraded land. Would love feedback from anyone who’s used fungal material to kickstart soil recovery.

I’m trying to figure how to maintain a garden, primarily on harvested rain water. I dug these holes a couple inches below the ground and put some Watermelon seeds in them. I don’t get much summer rain but the relative humidity is a little high most days. My thinking is because it is a a lower level than the top soil, the soil will stay cooler and more moist. I did a similar thing with some corn. The only extra water I gave the corn was when I fed them. Has anyone else tried this?

A few years ago when I started gardening I ordered some yards of bedding soil from a bulk company, it wasn’t until the rainy season that I realized it was just mostly sand ( my native soil is extremely sandy which is why I made the beds in the first place). This year I have enough budget to refill only half the 1ft high beds with better soil. I’m in debate if I should 1. Remove half the height of my beds to 6inches from 1ft and fill that all with good soil OR 2. I remove the top half 6 inches and put the good new soil on top of the sandy soil that’s already in there. My current in bed soil can be planted in but I can’t really say the plants are thriving, plus after many years of mulching with leaves I still barely see any worms and such.