Shaggy Mane Mushroom Cultivation Technology（3）

The cultivation of Shaggy Mane Mushrooms using fermented substrates is similar to the cultivation method for button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). It can be carried out in modified plastic greenhouses, and to reduce costs, people may also adopt bed culture for substrate cultivation.
1. Preparation of the Cultivation Substrate
The following are some commonly used substrate formulations in production:
Formula 1: 80% rice straw or wheat straw, 15% livestock manure, 1% urea, 1% phosphate fertilizer, 3% lime.
Formula 2: 94% corn cobs, 1% urea, 2% phosphate fertilizer, 3% lime.
Formula 3: 40% rice straw, 40% corn stalks, 15% livestock manure, 0.5% urea, 1% phosphate fertilizer, 3.5% lime.
Formula 4: 70% edible mushroom waste, 25% cottonseed husks, 0.5% urea, 1% phosphate fertilizer, 3.5% lime.
2. Fermentation
Since Shaggy Mane Mushrooms have vigorous mycelial growth, the substrate can be fermented using a single fermentation process. The fermentation time can be appropriately extended by 2 to 3 days.
(1) Pre-treatment of Raw Materials
Straw and other materials should be pre-wetted for 2 days using lime water. Dry manure should be crushed and mixed with gypsum, lime, and other materials. Phosphate fertilizer and urea should be dissolved in water, and then mixed with the main materials when building the pile.
(2) Pile Fermentation
The pile is built by spreading the main substrate material to a thickness of about 30 cm and then adding a layer of supplementary materials. The pile is typically 1.5 to 2.0 meters wide, 1.0 to 1.5 meters high, and of any length. A hole is made every 50 cm for aeration, and the pile is covered with a grass mat or plastic film.
When the temperature of the pile reaches around 60°C, it should be maintained for 1 day. The pile should be turned 2 to 3 times during the process, and the last turning should include spraying with 0.1% sodium dichloroisocyanurate. During the later stages of fermentation, no water should be added to the pile. The total fermentation time is 5 to 7 days. If the temperature stays high for too long, the substrate will lose too much water and nutrients, which will affect mushroom production and yield.
After fermentation, the substrate should be a coffee-brown color, with a savory aroma and no sour smell. The moisture content should be around 65%, and the pH should be around 8.0. The pile should be cooled down to below 30°C before sowing.
Key Considerations:
Fermentation Temperature: The temperature should not remain too high for too long, as this can cause excessive moisture loss and nutrient depletion, severely affecting the yield.
Moisture Content: Ensure the moisture content remains around 65%.
Aeration: Regular turning of the pile is important to ensure proper oxygenation and even fermentation.
By following this fermentation method, the substrate for Shaggy Mane Mushroom cultivation can be successfully prepared, contributing to a healthy and productive mushroom-growing process.