Key Technical Points for Field Cultivation of Agaricus bisporus in Guiyang

Agaricus bisporus, also known as white mushroom or button mushroom, or simply mushroom, is currently the most widely cultivated edible fungus in the world, with the largest production and consumption. Mushrooms are delicious and nutritious. They are high in protein and low in fat, and contain 18 amino acids, 8 of which are essential amino acids that the human body needs to maintain normal physiological functions. Wudang District of Guiyang City has a uniquely favorable environment for edible fungus cultivation, with a forest coverage rate of 42.5%. The district is home to 16 families and 180 species of main forest trees. Agriculture is dominated by rice and corn, and raw materials for edible fungi are abundant. Wudang District has convenient transportation and an agricultural population of 380,000. To adjust the district's agricultural structure, increase farmers' income, enrich the vegetable supply for the people of Guiyang City, and develop the economy of Wudang District, Wudang District developed 22 hm2 of Agaricus bisporus in 2007, and the project is now in full swing.

1 Environmental conditions required for Agaricus bisporus production

1.1 Nutrition. Mushrooms are a type of saprophytic fungus. They do not contain chlorophyll and cannot carry out photosynthesis. They rely entirely on the nutrients in the compost to meet the needs of their own growth and development.

1.2 Temperature. The temperature requirements of mushrooms throughout the entire growth and development stage go from high to low. The mycelium requires about 24°C, and the fruiting bodies require about 16°C.

1.3 Moisture. Mushrooms are an aerobic fungus and require good ventilation during the growth process, especially at the fruiting stage; otherwise thin-skinned mushrooms will be produced. The optimal moisture content of the compost is 60%-65%; the soil moisture content is 20%-23%, that is, it should be suitable when it can be squeezed flat and does not stick to the hand. Keep it on the wet side during the fruiting period and on the dry side at ordinary times.

1.4 Light. Agaricus bisporus prefers to grow under dark conditions and avoids direct sunlight.

1.5 pH. The suitable pH range for the growth of Agaricus bisporus mycelium is 5.5-8.5, with about pH 7.0 being best. Mushrooms produce a certain amount of acid during growth, so lime water should be used to adjust the pH.

2 Open-air cultivation techniques for Agaricus bisporus in Wudang District

Wudang District has a subtropical humid and mild climate, with a mild climate, an annual average temperature of 15.6°C, an average precipitation of 1257 mm, fertile soil, a pH of 5.6-7.2, and a frost-free period of more than 275 d, which is very suitable for the growth of Agaricus bisporus.

2.1 Cultivation site. In addition to field cultivation, intercropped plots can also be chosen in plots with natural shade, such as between rows of fruit trees and tea gardens, or in fields of tall crops; for monocropped plots, choose plots with a small slope, good drainage, and a sheltered, shady location.

2.2 Planting season. In Wudang District, the average temperature in September over the years is about 23°C, which is the suitable sowing period for open-field mushroom planting in Wudang District.

2.3 Compost formula and stacking

2.3.1 Compost formula. Per hectare, use 60,000 kg of grass, 30,000 kg of grass manure, 3,000 kg of oil cake, 375 kg of urea, 375 kg of compound fertilizer, 3,000 kg of lime, 3,000 kg of gypsum powder, and 150 kg of methanol.

2.3.2 Stacking. Stacking is generally carried out in late summer and early autumn. Use fresh, sun-dried, mold-free grass and farmyard manure, and choose a sunny place with convenient water sources and good drainage for stacking. Cut straw-like materials into 50 cm lengths, and pre-wet the grass 1 d before stacking for later use. Then stack 1 layer of grass and 1 layer of manure for a total of 7 layers, each layer 20 cm thick, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film, but do not cover it tightly, so as to allow air in. Generally turn the pile 4-5 times, and each time fully loosen and mix evenly. The intervals between turns are 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 d respectively. After 7 d, carry out the 1st turn. The moisture should be appropriate, neither too much nor too little. It is suitable when 2-3 drops of water can flow out from between the fingers when the compost is squeezed by hand. When turning, add ordinary superphosphate, oil cake, lime, and gypsum. On the 2nd turn, add urea and compound fertilizer. After that, just pay attention to the moisture content. For the last turn, spray the edge materials with insecticide, and cover tightly with plastic film. Fully kill the pests in the pile.