Detailed Explanation of Key Points in Shiitake Mushroom Substrate Cultivation Techniques

Shiitake mushroom substrate cultivation, also known as substitute substrate cultivation, is another cultivation method following log or natural log cultivation. Its cultivation forms are diverse, mainly designed according to differences in cultivation conditions, cultivation materials, and cultivation containers. It has developed rapidly in recent years and now accounts for over 95% of the cultivation area. Based on different cultivation methods, it can be divided into pressed-block and bag cultivation; based on different cultivation sites, it can be divided into mushroom house cultivation, underground facility cultivation, greenhouse cultivation, sunken bed cultivation, woodland cultivation, etc.

1. Material selection and processing

(1) Sawdust type: mainly hard broadleaf wood. Sawdust produced by lumber mills can be used, or it can be made by crushing tree branches. Sawdust collected often contains pine, fir, camphor, and other wood dust; it should be piled and fermented before use to achieve high yields.

(2) Straw type

Cotton stalk: sun-dried and crushed for later use. It contains 4.9% crude protein, 0.7% crude fat, 41.4% crude fiber, 36.6% soluble carbohydrates, 3.8% crude ash, 0.07% calcium, 0.01% phosphorus, and generally 12.52% moisture. Before use, add 1% lime, pile for fermentation, wash with clean water, and then use.

Sugarcane bagasse: requires freshness; after drying, it should be white or yellowish-white with a sweet sugarcane aroma. Bagasse that has not been fully sun-dried, is clumped, blackened, or has a musty smell cannot be used. Coarse bagasse with rind should be crushed and sieved. Because sugarcane bagasse has relatively low lignin content, when bagasse is the main material, it is advisable to add 30% sawdust.