Mushrooms Breathe: Co2 Intake And Output Explored

Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals, but they do share similarities with both. In a metabolic sense, mushrooms are more similar to humans than plants. Like humans, mushrooms breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. However, unlike humans, mushrooms do not rely on photosynthesis for growth and development. Instead, they absorb oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide, water vapour, and other gases. While mushrooms require oxygen to survive, they can tolerate environments with lower oxygen levels than what is typically found in the atmosphere. In fact, maintaining specific oxygen and carbon dioxide levels is crucial for preserving mushrooms and extending their shelf life.

Mushrooms absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide

Mushrooms are higher fungi, and as such, they breathe oxygen. They absorb air, along with all the gases present in it, and use the oxygen for their metabolic processes. This is similar to other aerobic organisms. The respiration of mushrooms also results in the release of moisture, and they produce a lot of water vapour. Therefore, mushrooms require humid environments to grow, with oyster mushrooms thriving at a humidity of 75 to 93%.

The humidity level depends on the strain, temperature, and development stage of the fungi. To maintain optimal humidity, mushroom growers can ventilate the growing room. However, oyster mushrooms do not require additional ventilation as the oxygen present in the air, at least 21%, is sufficient for their growth.

Controlling the CO2 levels in the growing environment is crucial for mushroom cultivation. During the early stages of mycelium development, a CO2 level of 10,000 to 20,000 ppm is acceptable. However, before the formation of primordia, the CO2 level must be maintained above 2000 ppm to ensure the development of tight primordia and an adequate number of mushrooms.

The respiration process of mushrooms has been utilised for preservation purposes. In a micro-environment with reduced oxygen levels, spoilage is slowed down. This preservation method was historically employed by the ancient Chinese, who sealed litchi fruits with leaves and grasses in clay pots during transport. The respiration of the fruits, leaves, and grasses created a high carbon dioxide and low oxygen environment, delaying the ripening of the litchis.

Mushrooms require moist air to grow

Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows differently from plants. They do not rely on photosynthesis for energy but instead thrive on organic matter. Mushrooms require a specific environment to grow and flourish, and one of the critical factors is moist air.

Mushrooms absorb air, along with all the gases present in it. They take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, just like animals. However, unlike plants, they do not produce oxygen. Mushrooms also release moisture during this breathing process, and therefore, they require moist air to grow.

The humidity level is crucial for mushroom growth. Oyster mushrooms, for example, grow at a humidity level of 75 to 93 per cent. The optimal humidity level depends on the mushroom strain, temperature, and stage of development. If the substrate, or growing medium, is too dry, it will lead to poor mycelial growth and patches of uncolonized substrate. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate moisture levels in the substrate to support full colonisation and pinning.

To ensure optimal humidity levels, mushroom growers can use misting or a fruiting chamber. Misting the mushroom grow kit at least twice a day can help maintain humidity levels. A fruiting chamber can also be used to maintain higher humidity levels of 80 to 95 per cent.

Additionally, proper air circulation and fresh air exchange are vital for successful mushroom growth. Inadequate air circulation can lead to inconsistent temperatures and excess humidity, affecting mushroom development. Introducing fresh air into the growing space through ventilation or fans is essential to regulate humidity levels and ensure the growing medium remains moist.

Mushrooms do not photosynthesise

Mushrooms are the reproductive structures of fungi, which is a type of lifeform that consumes other organisms. Unlike plants, mushrooms do not photosynthesise. Instead, they obtain energy by absorbing it from the soil or through trading with trees with which they live in symbiosis.

Mushrooms do not require sunlight to grow and share more common structures with animals than with plants. They do not produce oxygen and are not dependent on carbon dioxide for their development and growth. Mushrooms absorb oxygen from the air and emit carbon dioxide, like animals.

Mushrooms require moist air to grow, as they produce a lot of water vapour. Oyster mushrooms, for example, grow at a humidity of 75 to 93%. However, an excess of carbon dioxide can deform the shape of the oyster mushroom cap.

When growing mushrooms, it is important to ensure adequate ventilation to maintain the optimal level of carbon dioxide for mushroom growth. While mushrooms require oxygen, there is typically enough oxygen in the air for them to thrive.

Mushrooms need ventilation to grow

Mushrooms are a type of fungus that, like other organisms, absorb air along with all the gases that are in it. They require oxygen for vital processes and emit carbon dioxide. Mushrooms also produce a lot of moisture as they grow. Therefore, they need well-ventilated spaces with the right humidity to grow.

Ventilation is essential for maintaining a stable microclimate for mushrooms. Proper airflow prevents carbon dioxide buildup, excessive humidity, and poor mushroom formation. High carbon dioxide levels can cause elongated, deformed stems, while excessive moisture encourages contamination. Continuous ventilation is necessary to prevent microclimate fluctuations, which can affect yield and mushroom quality.

The necessary airflow depends on the amount of substrate in the grow room, not just air volume per hour. The fan size depends on the substrate load. For rooms up to 15 tons of substrate, a duct or snail fan is sufficient. For 20-50 tons of the substrate, a snail fan is required. Airflow calculation—if all blocks fruit simultaneously (single-zone method), airflow should be 300 cubic meters per hour (approximately 175 CFM) per ton of substrate.

The choice of ventilation system depends on the climate in your region and how you arrange the bags or briquettes with the substrate. A pre-assembled unit with heating and humidification can be purchased, or a system can be built using a blower fan, heat exchanger, and humidifier. Automated climate control systems for mushroom grow rooms have been developed specifically for this type of ventilation.

For regions with hot and dry seasons, additional ventilation may be required. The distance between the air intake holes and exhaust fans should not exceed 8-10 meters, or the airflow speed will drop. This can lead to uneven mushroom growth and undesirable shapes. If the mushroom blocks are stacked 3 meters or higher, consider installing four smaller exhaust fans instead of two.

High carbon dioxide levels deform oyster mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are unique fungi that do not rely on photosynthesis for growth. Instead, they absorb oxygen from the air and emit carbon dioxide, much like animals do. While oyster mushrooms can tolerate a range of carbon dioxide levels, excessively high concentrations can lead to deformities in their structure.

The impact of high carbon dioxide levels on oyster mushrooms is quite intriguing. When exposed to elevated CO2 levels, oyster mushrooms exhibit a range of deformities. One of the most noticeable deformities is the elongation of the mushroom's stem. This phenomenon occurs due to the stagnation of carbon dioxide near the mushroom cluster. The cap of the mushroom, which is responsible for absorbing air, becomes deformed, often twisting or bending upwards. In some cases, the mushroom may even curl up into a tube-like shape, resembling a gramophone or a saxophone.

The concentration of carbon dioxide, along with factors like temperature and humidity, play a crucial role in determining the extent of these deformities. The age of the oyster mushroom at the time of exposure to high CO2 levels also influences the outcome. If the carbon dioxide levels are not reduced when pins start to appear, the mushrooms may develop in unexpected ways, depending on the other conditions in the growing room.

To mitigate the effects of high carbon dioxide levels, mushroom growers employ various strategies. One common approach is to use CO2 sensors and controllers to monitor and regulate the levels in the growing chamber. By ensuring adequate ventilation and air exchange, growers can prevent the stagnation of carbon dioxide and promote healthier mushroom growth. Additionally, growers may need to adjust the temperature and humidity within the growing chamber to optimize conditions and reduce the occurrence of deformities.

In summary, high carbon dioxide levels can indeed deform oyster mushrooms, leading to elongated stems and twisted or bent caps. By understanding the relationship between CO2 concentration, temperature, and humidity, and the age of the mushrooms, growers can implement effective strategies to manage CO2 levels and promote optimal mushroom growth.

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