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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.

Any recommendations for a battery-operated tool system for yard projects and ecological restoration?

I mostly need a brush cutter and “hedge trimmer” on a pole, for occasional days of long use. Bonus if the system also includes a decent chainsaw, pole saw, blower, and tiller.

I think the Kress brand of professional landscaping tools is more than I need since I’m not using these tools every day. But I have tried the Ego line and I’m not convinced that it’s strong enough.

What should I get?

I’ll start by saying I know this is probably a fools errand, but why not give it a shot. Zone 9B for reference with the hill in question being in partial shade. (viewable in the back on the photo I posted).

I have two extremely spoiled goats and one dirt slope that I am in a constant battle with over weeds. My goats have zero interest in being helpful citizens and actually eating weeds, but seem to take extreme pleasure in ripping up any plants that I like. They mostly keep my citrus trees in check, goats usually eat up and are not necessarily great ground grazers, although mine do love to rip things up and spit them out.

I would love to get some low ground cover to help with weeds and erosion prevention. I was thinking of trying out Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum). I have read that it is deer resistant due to the smell, but is not poisonous. I wouldn’t trust my goats with anything toxic to them, they share a single brain cell and have exactly zero survival sense. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on things that may do well for ground cover and is a fast grower? My hope would be that it is not palatable enough for them to take a large interest in while it gets established and that stays low to the ground that can survive a dry climate.