Key Technical Points for Skillfully Supplementing Nutrients in Edible Mushroom Production
During the growth and development stage of edible mushroom fruiting bodies, especially after harvesting the first flush of mushrooms, supplementing various nutrients to edible mushrooms is a highly effective measure for increasing yield and improving quality. However, improper supplementation can be counterproductive.
The following key techniques should be mastered when supplementing nutrients.
1. Choose a scientific supplementation method. Methods for supplementing nutrients to edible mushrooms include spraying, perfusion, and soaking. The most commonly used method is to prepare a nutrient solution of a certain concentration and spray it onto mushroom beds, logs, or blocks along with watering. When spraying during the young bud stage, take care to spray the nutrient solution on areas without mushroom buds or around small buds, then rinse the fruiting bodies with clean water. It is best to spray the nutrient solution when the mushroom flush is declining. For mushroom blocks, columns, and log sections, the soaking method can also be used to supplement nutrients, allowing them to absorb enough nutrient solution after being placed in a prepared solution and then removed. The specific soaking time must be determined by the type of material being soaked and weather conditions. This method is generally carried out after each mushroom flush is harvested. On mushroom beds, the perfusion method can also be used to supplement nutrients: scrape open the casing soil on the bed surface, insert a funnel into the substrate, pour in the nutrient solution, and then cover with soil again. The distance between perfusion holes should be about 10 cm, and the amount of solution per hole depends on the thickness of the substrate; generally, 5 ml to 10 ml is suitable.
2. Alternate the supplementation of different nutrients. Long-term use of only one type of nutrient cannot meet the various nutritional needs of edible mushroom growth and development. Therefore, when supplementing nutrients, alternate various nutrients or apply them in combination. Generally, first apply a nutrient solution that adds nutrients, then supplement with a high-efficiency nutrient solution or high-efficiency regulator.
3. Accurately control the application amount. If nutrient supplementation is excessive at one time, it will cause the substrate to become too wet, reduce permeability, and may even inhibit mycelial growth, actually having a destructive effect on mycelial growth. When supplementing nutrients, the application concentration should be accurately determined according to the moisture level of the substrate and the different types of edible mushrooms. If humidity is high, the concentration of the nutrient solution can be increased to reduce the amount of water added. In addition, after applying the nutrient solution, ventilation should be increased to allow a small amount of moisture to dissipate, preventing excessive humidity on the substrate surface or in the air from harming the growth and development of mycelia or fruiting bodies.
4. Strictly control the supplementation of organic fertilizers. First, organic fertilizers used must be fully decomposed and must not contain contaminant microorganisms or insect eggs; the use of composted or rotten organic fertilizers must be strictly prohibited. Second, for some mushroom types that are not suitable for organic fertilizers, refrain from using them; if they must be used, they should only be boiled for a period of time, and the boiled extract should be diluted before application. In addition, when applying plant extracts such as soybean milk juice or potato juice, they should be prepared and used immediately and not left standing for long periods to prevent spoilage and deterioration, and the application concentration should be strictly controlled.
5. Pay attention to environmental influences. Generally, when the temperature is above 25°C, many mushroom types do not easily differentiate and form fruiting bodies, so nutrient application should be stopped at this time. Glucose solution, soybean milk juice, human excrement and urine, etc. are all unsuitable for application when the temperature is above 20°C. If mushroom beds, logs, and blocks have already been infected by contaminant microorganisms, the contaminants must first be removed before supplementing nutrients; otherwise, the degree of contamination will be worsened.