CULTIVATION TIPS MUSHROOM OFFICE Saving and using data
During composting, samples are taken at every bunker change and during each phase of composting. These samples are analysed in a laboratory. What is the best way to collect that data and how can you use all the information efficiently and effectively?
Taking samples isn’t difficult as such, but it does require a certain skill because it’s so important. Often only one sample is taken in each tunnel. However, that sample must be representative of that specific tunnel. Imagine you have to take a 0.5 kg sample from a tunnel holding 200 tons of compost - that is 0.00025% of the whole batch of compost. The best way to take a representative sample is to take handfuls of compost randomly from different places and place them in a bag. However, ‘randomly’ should always have an element of consistency, for example taking samples at various fixed times during filling. It sampling method is less important, as long as it is always done in the same, practical way. This is the only way to reliably compare samples from different tunnels or bunkers in the same phase. Ideally someone who doesn’t know anything about compost should take the samples as they are more likely to be objective and not think; ‘I won’t take a sample there; it’s way too wet’. Analysing compost provides figures and data from the climate unit, production data and other inputs. All this information is registered and recorded, but often in different files, paperwork and systems. That is not the best way to make the data work for you.
Use a data system A well organised database that contains all the relevant data will deliver the right management tools. If you have a small composting company, a simple Excel file is a good place to start. But for deeper analysis and to link data, you should create a database. A database is an organised collection of structured data that gives you access to all the information you need. If you are creating a database from scratch, start with the data from the laboratory. Then add the production data. This will already generate some initial results. You can also use a header with comments for each sample added to the system. For example, note when there was a breakdown or a frozen pipe. Record anything that deviates from the norm. This is important because after a few weeks you will probably have forgotten which batch number was concerned. If there are quality issues, you can quickly refer to the historical data to see whether anything unusual happened during the first part of the composting process. You can also enter the assessment of the raw materials in the system. For example, during the first mixing: straw decomposition, structure, etc. These parameters can also be scored: from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). This system ensures you not only have the figures from the laboratory, but also assessments you and your colleagues made.
Creating a data system If you are setting up a data system, call in an IT specialist, preferably with a practical background. They do not necessarily need any knowledge of mushroom growing. Try to ensure as much data as possible is input in the system automatically. Create a simple app to assess the materials and enter comments so employees can quickly and easily enter relevant data. Think of the KISS principle: ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid’. Start simple and gradually expand. User-friendliness is especially important and the system shouldn’t require a lot of extra time and effort. Avoid using forms that have to be filled in by hand and transferred to the PC later. This just adds to the workload. Enter the data directly in the app on the mobile phone. Make sure the app also works offline and that it is updated as soon as you are back online. There is not always good internet access on some farms. When you design a system, carefully consider how you want the system to function, after gradual additions, in five years. Avoid starting with an extensive and complicated system that turns out to be impractical and is no longer used after six months. This is just a waste of time and money.
How to use the data Making compost is not that difficult - the challenge is in detecting mistakes in time so they can still be corrected and noticing trends such as why certain values increase or adjusting the amount of nitrogen (chicken manure) that is added. These are very important patterns you must be able to identify quickly and clearly during and after the process. For example, a certain batch stands out because it is much wetter. Consulting the database will show that the raw materials were supplied during heavy snowfall. This explains the issue, so no action needs to be taken. Finally, and most importantly, you can learn from your own analyses. Linking the production process to the yields will reveal what resulted in excellent yields and why. Analysing the data should also reveal why things went wrong, despite everything appearing to be fine.
In summary: invest in a robust data analysis system, which includes all compost, cultivation and harvest data and generates a good overview of your entire operation. This will give insight into the key points that the compost, cultivation and harvest must comply with to guarantee good production.
By Mark den Ouden, Mushroom Office
42 MUSHROOM BUSINESS
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