layer of casing allows moisture through during pinhead formation to ensure optimal evapora- tion. The mycelium transports moisture and nutrients from the compost to the mushrooms and pinheads, both of which are necessary for good growth. Good evaporation from the casing soil stimulates that process. An over-compac- ted layer of casing inhibits the evaporation process and therefore reduces the transport of moisture (and nutrients) through the mycelium threads. For these reasons, make sure the casing soil is applied lightly on top of the compost. Poor casing structure can also cause compaction.
Optimal climate in cells
A poor growing room climate (especially in large rooms) also impacts on the uniformity of pin- head formation. For example, an uneven air circulation pattern will have a negative effect on uniform pinning. Even on the most state- of-the-art mushroom farms, I have come
across many problems caused by a lack of opti- mal air circulation, resulting in large differen- ces in the growth of pinheads and mushrooms. Not only from bed to bed, or from the front to the back of the room, but also very slow growth in some places compared with other places close by. The tiniest details can have an effect, such as the number of openings in the air ducts, the diameter of the openings and the air ducts (see also the FungiPoint cultivation tip in this edition) and whether various types of air liners are used. The smallest adjustments and changes already have major consequences for the air circulation and distribution in the growing room. If there are problems, seeking the advice of a professional is advisable. An incorrectly dimensioned air outlet can also create the wrong growing room climate. It is better to have a slightly too large air outlet than slightly too small. In countries with severe winters, it is advisable to place plastic sheets behind the large doors in the rooms (during the cold
Even in modern farms, the need for optimal air circulation is
underestimated.
At an earlier stage, the compost temperature was much too high, which burned the mycelium. MUSHROOM BUSINESS 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
