Moisture is not only an important component of edible fungus cells, but also the absorption and transportation of nutrients, and the excretion of metabolic waste cannot be carried out without water. Therefore, edible fungi must be supplied with sufficient water at all stages of growth and development. Most of the water needed for the growth and development of edible fungi comes from the compost. The compost contains sufficient water, which is an essential factor for the growth of mycelium and the formation of a large number of fruiting bodies.
In the growth stage of edible fungus mycelium, the suitable water content of the compost is generally 60% to 65%, and the water requirement in the fruiting body formation stage is even greater. The water in the compost is continuously reduced due to evaporation and absorption of fruiting bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to spray water frequently during cultivation. In addition, if a certain relative air humidity can be maintained in the mushroom house, excessive evaporation of water in the compost can also be prevented. In addition to sufficient moisture in the compost, edible fungi also need a certain relative air humidity. The relative air humidity suitable for mycelium growth is generally 80% to 95%. When the relative air humidity is lower than 60%, the fruiting bodies of edible fungi such as Pleurotus ostreatus stop growing; when the relative air humidity is lower than 45%, the fruiting bodies no longer differentiate, and the differentiated young mushrooms will dry up and die.
The following points should be paid attention to when replenishing the culture medium of the bacteria bag:
The first is the amount of water replenishment. When the first fresh mushrooms are harvested, the substrate is rich in nutrients and the water content in the substrate is still high, the amount of water replenishment should be less; After growing past the second damp mushroom, the nutrients in the substrate will decrease, and the moisture in the substrate will also decrease, so the amount of water replenishment can be more, and the time for soaking the mushroom bag in water can be longer;
The second is to use clean river water or groundwater when replenishing water. It is not suitable to use pond water and ditch water on the surface to prevent bacteria and pests from being carried into the matrix and causing pests and diseases;
The third is to pay attention to temperature changes when replenishing water. When the temperature is higher than 20°C, the amount of water replenishment should be less or supplemented by watering. When the temperature is lower than 20°C, the amount of water replenishment can be increased appropriately.
Fourth, a certain amount of nutrition should be supplemented when replenishing water. After the current crops of mushrooms are finished, most of the nutrients in the mushroom bag will be consumed. In the later stage, in the case of insufficient nutrition, the hyphae will be weak and stamina will be insufficient, and the quality and quantity of mushrooms will be significantly reduced. Therefore, adding certain nutrients when replenishing water can promote the growth of mycelia, the differentiation of mushroom bodies, and improve the quality and yield of mushrooms.