Technical points to note when replenishing water in edible mushroom cultivation

In edible mushroom cultivation, water plays the role of providing nutrients for the mycelium and fruiting bodies, and is an important factor determining yield levels and rapid flushes. The suitable water content in the substrate for most varieties is 60%-65%. During the fruiting process, the water in both the substrate and the space gradually decreases, so water needs to be replenished in time. When replenishing water to the substrate in mushroom bags, the following points should be noted:

Amount of water to replenish: After the first flush of mushrooms is harvested, the substrate is rich in nutrients and its water content is still relatively high, so the amount of water replenished should be smaller; after the second flush has grown, the substrate's nutrients have decreased and its water content has also dropped, so more water can be replenished and the mushroom bags can be soaked for a longer time.

When replenishing water, clean river water or groundwater should be used. Pond water and ditch water from the surface should not be used, to prevent contaminating bacteria and pests from being carried into the substrate and causing disease and pest damage.

The water temperature should be as consistent as possible with the temperature of the mushroom shed; do not use ice-cold water.

Do not spray water on the primordia or mushroom buds. It is best to use a sprayer to replenish water, with the nozzle pointing upward to spray into the space to increase humidity.

After replenishing water, if there are water droplets on the fruiting bodies, they should be removed by ventilation. Otherwise, it will create opportunities for pathogen reproduction and form disease spots on the fruiting bodies.

Replenishing water to mushroom bags is an important measure for increasing yield, mainly used for edible mushrooms with longer cultivation cycles. Note: 1. For shiitake and similar mushrooms, water should be replenished after color change is complete and before fruiting, until the substrate water content reaches about 65%. 2. For most edible mushrooms, water should be replenished during the flush transition period after one or two flushes are finished; the mycelium should be allowed to recover first, then water should be replenished, and the amount of water replenished is best controlled at 80%-90% of the original mushroom bag weight. 3. When the mycelium is sparse, growth is weak, the temperature is below 5°C, or pests and diseases occur inside the substrate, water should not be replenished. 4. When replenishing water after the third flush, nutrients can also be supplemented at the same time, commonly urea, sugar, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.