try a more efficient way of changing the interiors of columns

df_caverns/mod.conf

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 name = df_caverns
 description = Adds vast underground caverns in the style of Dwarf Fortress, complete with underground flora in diverse biomes. Also adds stalactite/stalagmite decorations in the smaller tunnels.
 depends = default, subterrane, df_trees, df_mapitems
-optional_depends = df_farming, ice_sprites, oil, df_underworld_items, magma_conduits, bones_loot
+optional_depends = df_farming, ice_sprites, oil, df_underworld_items, magma_conduits, bones_loot, named_waypoints, map

df_caverns/primordial.lua

@@ -299,6 +299,7 @@ local decorate_primordial = function(minp, maxp, seed, vm, node_arrays, area, da
 		local jungle = nvals_cave[vi] < 0
 		if jungle then
 			data[vi] = c_plant_matter
+			minetest.get_node_timer(area:position(vi)):start(math.random(10, 60))
 		else
 			data[vi] = c_mycelial_dirt
 		end

df_caverns/sunless_sea.lua

@@ -380,6 +380,7 @@ local decorate_sunless_sea = function(minp, maxp, seed, vm, node_arrays, area, d
 			else
 				data[vi] = c_coral_table[math.random(1,3)]
 				data_param2[vi] = math.random(1,4)-1
+				minetest.get_node_timer(area:position(vi)):start(math.random(10, 60))
 			end
 		end
 	end

df_mapitems/cave_coral.lua

@@ -13,6 +13,11 @@ minetest.register_node("df_mapitems:cave_coral_3", {
 	is_ground_content = false,
 	groups = {cracky = 3, dfcaverns_cave_coral = 1},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
+	on_timer = function(pos)
+		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"default:water_source"}) == nil then
+			minetest.set_node(pos, {name="default:coral_skeleton"})
+		end
+	end,
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("df_mapitems:cave_coral_2", {
@@ -26,6 +31,11 @@ minetest.register_node("df_mapitems:cave_coral_2", {
 	is_ground_content = false,
 	groups = {cracky = 3, dfcaverns_cave_coral = 1},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
+	on_timer = function(pos)
+		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"default:water_source"}) == nil then
+			minetest.set_node(pos, {name="default:coral_skeleton"})
+		end
+	end,
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("df_mapitems:cave_coral_1", {
@@ -39,6 +49,11 @@ minetest.register_node("df_mapitems:cave_coral_1", {
 	is_ground_content = false,
 	groups = {cracky = 3, dfcaverns_cave_coral = 1},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults(),
+	on_timer = function(pos)
+		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"default:water_source"}) == nil then
+			minetest.set_node(pos, {name="default:coral_skeleton"})
+		end
+	end,
 })
 
 local coral_names = {"df_mapitems:cave_coral_1", "df_mapitems:cave_coral_2", "df_mapitems:cave_coral_3"}

df_primordial_items/jungle_nodes.lua

@@ -254,6 +254,11 @@ minetest.register_node("df_primordial_items:plant_matter", {
 	is_ground_content = false,
 	groups = {crumbly = 3, soil = 1},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_dirt_defaults(),
+	on_timer = function(pos)
+		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"air"}) == nil then
+			minetest.set_node(pos, {name="df_primordial_items:packed_roots"})
+		end
+	end,
 })
 if minetest.get_modpath("trail") and trail and trail.register_trample_node then	
 	local HARDPACK_PROBABILITY = minetest.settings:get("trail_hardpack_probability") or 0.5 -- Chance walked dirt/grass is worn and compacted to trail:trail.
@@ -286,18 +291,6 @@ minetest.register_node("df_primordial_items:packed_roots", {
 	sounds = default.node_sound_wood_defaults(),
 })
 
-minetest.register_abm({
-	label = "Plant matter converting to roots",
-	nodenames = {"df_primordial_items:plant_matter"},
-	interval = 10.0,
-	chance = 5,
-	action = function(pos, node, active_object_count, active_object_count_wider)
-		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"air"}) == nil then
-			minetest.set_node(pos, {name="df_primordial_items:packed_roots"})
-		end
-	end
-})
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 -- Roots