Mycelium Inoculation in Wood Chips to Promote Soil Restoration

The aim of this research is to test a protocol for mycelial inoculation in wood chips. The results of this testing will inform the development of mycelial inoculation protocol that would be effective in lessening soil erosion, potentially improving rates of revegetation and promoting ecosystem resiliency as it relates to logging road activities.
  • Research
NREM students holding soil

Start date – end date: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Partners: Nazko First Nation

Funders: Society for Ecosystem Restoration in Northern BC (SERNbc)

Research Lead: Shelby Roberts, Research Associate

The creation and 'deactivation' of logging roads utilizing traditional methods often results in reduction of fungi, effectively reducing overall ecosystem resiliency. Mycelial inoculation to aid in the remediation of logging roads has been documented as an alternative to traditional methods. The research team will collaborate with Nazko First Nation to test a mycelial inoculation protocol that would be relevant to ecosystem treatments within Nazko territory, specifically targeting road sections within riparian areas and unclassified drainage ditches. The expected outcome is a mycelial inoculation protocol which could be utilized by Nazko to lessen soil erosion and improve the rate of revegetation when remediating logging roads.

Mycelium Inoculation in Wood Chips