A Guide to Mushroom Substrates
In the last century, researchers and farmers have made great leaps when it comes to innovative ways to grow crops. Today, you can find people growing vegetables and herbs using some of the modern techniques. Mushrooms have become a popular choice for home growth. To grow mushrooms successfully at home, growers use mushroom substrates.
Substrates provide a growing medium rich in nutrients that support mushroom growth. Like plants, different species of mushrooms require specific types of substrates to thrive. In this article, we will be discussing what mushroom substrates are and what they are used for.
What Is a Mushroom Substrate?
A mushroom substrate is a growing medium that provides a thriving environment for the mycelium to grow and establish itself. These substrates provide mushroom sprouts with moistures, nutrients, and energy they need to grow and mature. There are different types of substrates, each providing a thriving environment for a specific kind of mushroom. With this in mind, it's best to match your mushrooms with the correct substrates for the best results.
Qualities of a Good Substrate
The best substrates contain high levels of fibrous materials such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. You should also go with one full of carbon, as this is the main nutrient for mycelium. Here are a few things to consider when choosing mushroom substrates:
• The substrates should have 1-2% nitrogen content. However, you may need to supplement the substrate to achieve this percentage in most cases.
• Your substrate should have low calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and sulfur levels. The concentration levels for these minerals tend to vary based on the materials used. To ascertain the presence of these minerals, you may need to carry out a test.
• The substrate should have a pH level of 5-6.5. However, certain species like the oyster can handle pH levels of up to 8.
• Ensure the substrate has a good structure for aeration. This helps the mycelium to colonize.
• Your substrate needs to maintain a moisture level of 50-70%.
When preparing the substrate, make sure to sterilize your equipment. This helps prevent contamination by competing organisms.
Preparing a Substrate
There are different materials used in making mushroom substrates; these include:
• Straw
• Manure
• Coffee grounds
• Coco coir and vermiculite
• Hardwood pellets
• Logs
• Cardboard
1. Each of these materials can be used as ingredients for making substrates. However, you may have to add water and supplementary nutrients as needed.
2. Once the substrate is ready, you need to sterilize it to kill competing organisms. This way, you can provide a suitable environment for the mushroom to grow and thrive.
3. The substrate can be put in different containers. You can use a planting tray or large plastic bags for commercial purposes. You can as well use buckets or any other small container.
4. Once the substrate is sterilized and packed, you can inoculate the mushroom spores and begin the growth process.
To ascertain whether the substrate has been prepared correctly, you need to wait for the mycelium to grow or signs of colonization throughout the substrate.
