Applied Research and Innovation Projects
Mycelium Inoculation in Wood Chips to Promote Soil Restoration
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 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.
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.
Virtual Reality platform to support innovative wellness services for students in the context of Covid-19.
2020-2020
Partners: Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) of Prince George, City of Prince George
Funders: Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
This project tested a virtual reality self-help tool to be used by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Identification of native pollinators for increasing berry production in a northern climate
2019-2019
Partners: Northern Lights Estate Winery
Funders: NSERC
This project identified native pollinators at two berry orchard sites of Northern Lights Estate Winery.
Assessing the shelf life of trees killed by spruce beetle
2019 - 2020
Partners: Canfor, Conifex Timber, Sinclar Group Forest Products
Funders: NSERC
This project assessed the fiber quality of spruce beetle-attacked stands.
An enhanced biomass gasification system for power generation
2018-2020
Partners: BC Biocarbon Ltd
Funders: NSERC
This project is a unique opportunity for CNC to enhance its applied research capability in the field of renewable energy with focus on biomass substitution for fossil fuels used for heat and electricity generation.
BC Housing – Thermal Index
2018-2020
Funders: BC Housing
This project developed an empirical method to calculate the total thermal resistance of a building and research the effect of solar radiation, wind, humidity and inside reflective insulation on heat loss in existing residential construction.
Increasing production of willow energy crops through off-grid irrigation and biosolids fertilization
2018 - 2020
Partners: Sylvis Environmental Services, Bionera Resources, PRT Growing Services
Funders: NSERC
This project analyzed the effects of off-grid irrigation and biosolids fertilization on willow energy crops.
Developing a hydroponic technology to increase local food projection capacity in northern British Columbia
2018-2020
Partners: QuantoTech
Funders: NSERC
This study, conducted CNC's Quesnel Campus, took an innovative approach to developing and commercializing an industrial-scale hydroponics system.
Developing a “mezzanine’ grow system for doubling seedling grow capacity of conventional greenhouse
2018-2020
Partners: QuantoTech
Funders: NSERC
Developed vertically staged growing technology allowing a conventional greenhouse to grow on two levels.