French startup Mycea is applying science to address declining soil health at campgrounds, offering a service that aims to improve plant quality and reduce operator costs related to water restrictions and maintenance.
The need for such solutions in the outdoor hospitality sector is driven by deteriorating soil health across France, according to Sandrine Cadet, in charge of communication at Mycea.
Campgrounds face challenges from climate conditions, water restrictions, and financial constraints, she noted in an exclusive interview with Modern Campground at the 46th Salon SETT in Montpellier, France.
“The service we offer will help them reduce the cost of these different charges and, at the same time, take care of the soil and improve the general quality of the plants, the trees, and the soil,” she told Modern Campground.
She emphasized the company’s local approach, working exclusively with fungi present in a specific area.
The need for such solutions in France is driven by declining soil health. “The state of the health of the soil is very deteriorated. So we need to improve the health and enhance the biodiversity that is already present,” Cadet explained.
For campground operators, soil health directly affects plant quality and operational efficiency. Cadet noted that campsites face challenges from climate conditions, water restrictions, and financial constraints.
Cadet described a multi-step process beginning with on-site soil sampling and analysis to identify the existing mycorrhizal fungi species.
Following the assessment, additional samples are collected from surrounding areas and amplified in a controlled culture chamber.
“It’s a room where the mycorrhizal fungi take their life cycle in plants,” she said.
After six months, the fungi are harvested from soil and roots and formulated into site-specific treatments, which may include granular products tailored for vineyards, trees, or urban parks.
Cadet also highlighted the advantage of using locally adapted fungi compared to introducing external species.
“The alternative methods are usually bringing species of mycorrhizal fungi that are outside of the environment. Our approach is to bring something that is already there,” she explained.
She added that local fungi are more likely to thrive long-term. “But the fact that it’s already there tells us that it will be in the future. It is adapted to grow and continue living in the specific area,” she said.
Mycea serves a diversified clientele, including agricultural operations, campgrounds, and urban parks.
The company is currently active only in France, with early interest in Spain.
SETT 2025, held from November 4 to 6 at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre, drew 20,215 professional visitors, an 8.7% increase over the previous year, with 13% of attendees from abroad.
The three-day trade fair featured more than 700 exhibitors across 60,000 square meters, providing an international platform for innovations like Mycea’s localized fungi services.
Mycea’s approach demonstrates how science-driven soil management can address operational, environmental, and financial challenges for campgrounds while preserving local biodiversity.
Featured image by Marion Barges / Agence Seize9