For those interested in our recent truffle developments in Scotland, here are a few additional details from the site.
The soil initially had a low pH of around 5, whereas truffles typically prefer conditions above pH 7. The planting is very small-scale, just a few trees at home, and only a narrow strip of soil, approximately 40 cm wide, had been limed at the outset. Additional lime was later applied to the surface.
Over time, burn marks began to appear, a classic sign of truffle fungus suppressing grass growth. The first truffles were spotted by eye, while later discoveries were made with the help of my dog, Rue.
Although the site is tiny, with only a handful of trees, it provides a valuable early indication of the potential for truffle cultivation on our islands. The trees are hazel, just five years old, produced in our lab, and treated with experimental microbial additives (Microbes+).
We also have a larger orchard adjacent to our lab on the island, although it is still very young at just two years old. On a personal note, I’m absolutely delighted to have a new monitoring site so close to home — quite literally just outside my kitchen back door.
The full BBC news item can be found here