Using fungi as decomposer of leaf litters

Hello guys, so I have this project of using fungi in decomposing dead leaves. I had a hard time to find research journals in this topic. I was planning to use Grey Oyster Mushroom and Splitgills Mushroom to find out the rate of decomposition. Do/Can I use the spawn directly on the leaf piles or sprinkle the mushroom substrate (not the spent mushroom substrate) on the top of leaf piles?

Audrey,

Great question and I am happy to see another person utilize fungi!

My personal suggestions would be to mix straw or woodchips with the leaves.  Many of these fungi like to colonize wood (and strange as it seems, straw counts as wood here.  After the fungi colonize the “wood” they will spread out and gobble up the leaves as well.

I think the idea of incorporating fungi into your decomposition is great and will pay real dividends in the near future.

Keep us apprised,

Eric