Sarah Brown
Coco coir is a popular substrate for mushroom cultivation due to its eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and reusable nature. It is derived from coconut husks and provides optimal growth conditions for mushrooms. While coco coir is naturally resistant to bacteria, some growers choose to pasteurize it to prevent competing organisms from accessing its nutrients. This can be done through steam sterilization, pressure cooking, or the boil-in-bag method. After sterilization, growers can inoculate the substrate by adding mushroom spawn. Although coco coir is a versatile and effective substrate, different mushroom species have unique substrate preferences, and coco coir may not always be the best option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Coco coir is easy to use as it does not require sterilisation and is readily available at most garden centres. |
| Reusability | Coco coir can be reused. |
| Eco-friendliness | Coco coir is eco-friendly, renewable, biodegradable, and made from coconut husks, which are byproducts of the coconut industry. |
| Moisture retention | Coco coir retains water well and has a porous structure that facilitates air and water exchange. |
| Nutrient content | Coco coir contains enough nutrients to grow several mushroom species but may not be nutritious enough for certain species to produce high yields. |
| Pasteurisation | While coco coir is naturally resistant to bacteria, it should be pasteurised to prevent competition from other organisms. |
| pH and nutrient adjustment | Coco coir can be buffered to adjust pH and nutrient levels. |
| Yield | Coco coir offers high yields. |
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What You'll Learn
Pasteurisation
Coco coir is a popular substrate for growing mushrooms. It is the waste product of the coconut industry, made from coconut husks, and is 100% organic, biodegradable, reusable, and non-toxic. It is also a good option for beginners as it does not require sterilisation.
However, while coco coir is naturally resistant to bacteria, it is still organic material and contains nutrients that attract pathogens. Therefore, it is recommended to pasteurise coco coir before using it as a substrate to ensure there are no other organisms competing with the mushrooms for nutrients. Pasteurisation kills pathogenic microorganisms and spoilage organisms. It provides a 5-log, or 99.999%, reduction of the microbial load.
To pasteurise coco coir, you will need to achieve the right combination of temperature and time. One source recommends adding 16 cups of water to a boiler and heating it to 65 degrees Celsius or more for 6 minutes. While the water is boiling, place the coco coir and other ingredients into a bucket. After pasteurisation, squeeze out the excess water and allow the substrate to dry before use. Another source recommends steam pasteurisation or a water bath at 180 degrees Celsius for 1-2 hours.
It is important to note that high temperatures can kill mushroom mycelium, so ensure that your substrate has cooled down enough before proceeding. You can use the same bucket for pasteurisation and inoculation, or you can move the pasteurised substrate into a clean container where it may be easier to mix in the spawn.
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Sterilisation
Coco coir is a lightweight, organic material obtained from coconut husks. It is a popular mushroom substrate due to its excellent water retention and aeration properties. However, it is important to prepare coco coir properly to ensure successful mushroom cultivation.
While some sources claim that coco coir does not require sterilisation, others recommend pasteurisation to eliminate potential pathogens and reduce the risk of contamination. Pasteurisation involves heating the coco coir to a specific temperature for a set duration, killing microorganisms and spoilage organisms. This process ensures that the fungus has optimal access to nutrients, enhancing its growth.
To pasteurise coco coir, one method is to use a stove to heat it to the desired temperature for the required time. Another approach is to place the coco coir in a bag, submerging it in water while keeping the zip-tied portion above the water level. This technique, known as "bucket tek," ensures that only the desired portion of the bag remains dry. The bag is then left submerged for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Additionally, it is crucial to monitor the temperature of the coco coir during pasteurisation. A soil thermometer or an infrared temperature gun can be used to take multiple measurements at different depths to ensure thorough pasteurisation. After pasteurisation, the coco coir should be allowed to cool before use.
Some growers opt for sterilisation instead of pasteurisation to eliminate all potential contaminants. Sterilisation can be achieved through pressure cooking or steam treatment, followed by transferring the coco coir to a still air box before adding it to the monotub. This process ensures that any potential contaminants are eradicated, reducing the risk of contamination during mushroom cultivation.
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Pre-buffered coco coir
Coco coir is a popular substrate for growing mushrooms. It is lightweight, organic, and made from coconut husks. It is naturally resistant to bacteria, but it is recommended to pasteurize it to prevent any other organisms from competing with the mushrooms for nutrients. This can be done through steam pasteurization or a water bath. After pasteurizing, squeeze out the excess water and allow the coir to dry before use.
Before using coco coir as a substrate, it is important to buffer it to ensure optimal growing conditions for your mushrooms. Buffering coco coir is a simple process that involves rinsing the coir with water to remove any dust and debris, preparing a buffering solution using calcium nitrate or dolomite lime, and then soaking the coir in this solution. This helps to remove excess salts, balance the calcium-to-magnesium ratio, and create an optimal environment for mushroom growth.
Additionally, pre-buffered coco coir provides optimal aeration for your mushrooms. Its airy structure and excellent porosity ensure proper air circulation, preventing waterlogged roots and promoting healthy root development. Pre-buffered coco coir is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It is a renewable resource that utilizes coconut husks, reducing waste and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional soil.
Overall, pre-buffered coco coir is a convenient and effective substrate for growing mushrooms. It offers optimal water retention, enhanced nutrient absorption, and proper aeration, leading to healthy mushroom growth. Its sustainability and ease of use make it a popular choice for gardeners and mushroom cultivators.
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Preparing the substrate
Rehydrating the Coco Coir
Coco coir is typically sold in compressed blocks or bricks, which need to be rehydrated before use. To rehydrate, place the coco coir block in a large pot or container and soak it in water for 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has fully expanded. You can also break the block into smaller pieces to speed up the process. Some sources recommend boiling the coco coir for 10 minutes, while others suggest simply soaking it in hot water. After soaking, drain any excess water and allow the coir to cool down to room temperature. It is important that the coir is not too wet, as this can affect the growth of mushrooms.
Mixing the Substrate
Once the coco coir is rehydrated, it's time to mix it with other ingredients to create a well-balanced substrate. The most common ingredient added to coco coir is vermiculite, which helps with moisture retention and aeration. The recommended ratio is 1 part coco coir to 1 part vermiculite, although some sources suggest a ratio of 70% coco coir to 30% vermiculite. Gypsum can also be added (around 5%) to improve the structure and nutrient content of the substrate. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
Pasteurization or Sterilization
Coco coir is naturally resistant to bacteria, but it is still recommended to pasteurize it to eliminate any potential contaminants, such as harmful bacteria or fungi. There are several methods for pasteurization, including steam pasteurization, boiling the coir in water, or using a pressure cooker. Steam pasteurization involves placing the coir in a large container with a lid and steaming it for at least 2 hours at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The boil-in-bag method involves placing the coir in a heat-resistant plastic bag and submerging it in boiling water for 2 hours. Pressure cooking requires cooking the substrate at 15 psi for 90 minutes. After pasteurization, squeeze out any excess water and allow the coir to dry before use.
Inoculation
Inoculation is the process of adding mushroom spawn to the prepared coco coir substrate. It is important to ensure that all work surfaces and your hands are clean to avoid contamination. The recommended spawn rate is a minimum of 20% when using wet coco coir vermiculite substrate, and 50% when using plain coco coir to speed up colonization. Mix the spawn evenly throughout the substrate, as uneven distribution may result in slower colonization and increased chances of contamination.
Incubation
After inoculation, place the bags or containers of coco coir substrate in a warm, dark area at a temperature between 65-77 degrees Fahrenheit (18-25 degrees Celsius). The mushroom mycelium will spread from the grain spawn and feed on the organic material in the substrate. This process is called colonization and typically takes a few weeks.
Harvesting
With proper care and patience, you will soon see mushroom pins forming on the surface of the substrate. These pins will grow into mature mushrooms, which can be harvested by gently twisting and pulling them from the substrate. Remember to harvest before the mushrooms release their spores, as this can cause contamination and reduce future yields.
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Mushroom colonisation
Coco coir is an excellent substrate for mushroom cultivation due to its many benefits and ease of use. It is a natural and organic growing medium derived from coconut husks. It is also known as coco peat, a byproduct of the coconut industry, and is an eco-friendly, renewable, and biodegradable resource. This fibrous material has a porous structure that facilitates the exchange of air and water, making it a great choice for mushroom growth.
To prepare coco coir for mushroom colonisation, it is important to follow these steps:
First, coco coir usually comes in compressed blocks that need to be rehydrated. To do this, simply soak the block in water for around 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has fully expanded. The amount of water added is crucial, as coir alone does not retain enough moisture for mushroom growth. After rehydration, break apart the coir and mix it with other materials to create a well-balanced substrate. The most common recipe combines coco coir with vermiculite at a ratio of 1:1 or 7:3. Vermiculite is added to help maintain moisture content and assist with aeration.
Next, it is recommended to pasteurise the substrate to eliminate any potential contaminants, such as harmful bacteria or fungi. While coco coir is naturally resistant to bacteria, it is still organic material that can attract pathogens. Pasteurisation methods include steam sterilisation for 1-2 hours, pressure cooking at 15 psi for 90 minutes, or the boil-in-bag method by submerging the substrate in boiling water for 2 hours. After pasteurisation, squeeze out the excess water and allow the substrate to dry and cool to room temperature before use.
Once the substrate is prepared, it is time for inoculation—the process of adding mushroom spawn. For a plain coco coir substrate, a spawn rate of 50% is recommended to speed up colonisation. The spawn should be mixed evenly throughout the substrate, as uneven distribution may result in slower colonisation and increased chances of contamination. After inoculation, the substrate should be placed in a warm, dark area at around 65-77°F (18-25°C) to incubate.
During incubation, the mushroom mycelium will spread from the grain spawn and grow through the coco coir substrate, feeding on the organic material. This process is called colonisation. After a few weeks, mushroom pins will start to form on the surface of the substrate, eventually growing into mature mushrooms that can be harvested. Remember to harvest before the mushrooms release their spores to prevent contamination and reduce future yields.
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Frequently asked questions
Coco coir is a lightweight, organic material made from coconut husks. It is a byproduct of the coconut industry and is eco-friendly, renewable, and biodegradable.
Coco coir is chemically inert and does not require sterilization. However, some people prefer to pasteurize it to prevent the growth of competing organisms. Pasteurization can be done through steam sterilization or by soaking the coir in boiling water.
The ideal ratio for coco coir substrate depends on the specific needs of the mushroom species being grown. However, a common ratio is 1 part coco coir to 1 part vermiculite, with some growers recommending a higher percentage of coco coir for plain substrates.
