Emma Wilson
The yield of mushrooms per pound of substrate depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, and the growing conditions. For example, the biological efficiency of cubensis is roughly 200%, meaning that 1 pound of dry grain can yield around 2 pounds of fresh mushrooms. In another example, one source suggests that 150-300 pounds of substrate can yield 30-60 pounds of mushrooms. Additionally, the type of substrate can impact the yield, with straw being a less nutritious option that may require additional spawn to boost the harvest. To simplify the process of determining the precise amount of substrate and spawn needed to grow mushrooms, one can use a substrate calculator, which takes into account various factors such as the growing container size and desired ratios of spawn and bulk ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biological efficiency of cubensis | 200% |
| Biological efficiency formula | (total weight of fresh mushrooms / dry weight of substrate) x 100 |
| Yield of Blue Oyster mushrooms from 15kg substrate | 2kg |
| Yield of oyster mushrooms per bag | 1.3-1.8kg |
| Yield of oyster mushrooms per 150-300 pounds of substrate | 30-60 pounds |
| Yield of 5-pound blocks | 1 pound of mushrooms |
| Yield of 10-pound blocks | 2 pounds of mushrooms |
| Common substrates | straw, sawdust, soybean hulls, wheat bran |
| Supplements to increase yield | wheat bran, oat bran, plant-based materials high in nitrogen |
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What You'll Learn
- The yield of mushrooms varies based on the strain, genetics, substrate, and grain
- The biological efficiency of cubensis is roughly 200%
- Supplementation can increase the potential yield
- The amount of spawn does not always correlate with yield
- Yield can be improved by boosting the nutritional value of the substrate mix
The yield of mushrooms varies based on the strain, genetics, substrate, and grain
The yield of mushrooms is influenced by several factors, including the strain, genetics, substrate, and grain used in the growing process. Each of these components plays a crucial role in determining the quantity of mushrooms that can be produced.
Let's begin by understanding the impact of the strain and genetics of mushrooms on yield. Different strains of mushrooms possess unique yield characteristics, and selecting a high-yielding commercial strain is crucial for maximizing output. For example, the biological efficiency of cubensis is approximately 200%, meaning that 123 grams of dry grain can yield around 246 grams of fresh mushrooms.
Genetics also comes into play, as the yield potential of a specific strain can vary depending on the genetic makeup of the mushrooms. While it is challenging to predict the exact yield due to genetic variability, optimizing the growing conditions and providing the proper nutritional recipe for the mushrooms to thrive can help enhance the overall yield.
The choice of substrate is another critical factor influencing mushroom yield. Common substrates used in block production include straw, sawdust, soybean hulls, and wheat bran. The nutritional value of the substrate plays a vital role, as a nutritious substrate can support larger and healthier mushrooms. Supplementation, such as adding nitrogen-rich nutrients like bran or plant-based materials, can enhance the substrate's nutritional profile and boost the yield.
Additionally, the type of grain used can impact mushroom yield. Grains such as rye or wheat provide the base for mushroom growth, and the biological efficiency calculation considers the dry weight of the grain in determining the expected yield.
It is important to note that yield can vary between flushes, with the first flush sometimes producing a larger yield compared to subsequent ones. Moreover, factors such as temperature, ventilation, and the quality of the substrate also influence the final yield.
In conclusion, maximizing mushroom yield involves considering various factors, including strain selection, understanding the genetics, optimizing the substrate's nutritional value through supplementation, and choosing the appropriate grain. By carefully managing these variables, growers can aim for higher yields and improve the cost-effectiveness of their mushroom-growing operations.
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The biological efficiency of cubensis is roughly 200%
The biological efficiency (BE) of a mushroom growth cycle is a way to calculate the effectiveness of a mushroom strain and substrate combination. It is a measure originally developed by the button mushroom industry to grade certain strains of mushrooms. The formula for BE is:
> BE = (weight of harvest / weight of dry substrate) x 100%
Thus, 100% biological efficiency occurs when 1 lb of fresh mushrooms is harvested from 1 lb of dry substrate, over multiple flushes. The BE can be calculated for each flush, but it is recommended to use the total yield from all flushes as a better indicator of performance, as yields can vary wildly between flushes.
To achieve such a high BE, there are several steps and factors to consider in the process of growing mushrooms. The seven main steps are:
- Strain Selection: Choose a good producing commercial strain, as different strains will have different yield characteristics.
- Substrate Preparation: Prepare the substrate by pasteurising or sterilising it. The ideal ratio for a bulk mushroom substrate using coco coir is 1 part coco coir with 1 part vermiculite.
- Inoculation: Inoculate the substrate with the chosen strain. The higher the inoculation rate, the faster the mycelium will grow through the substrate, but it will not produce a larger amount of mushrooms.
- Incubation
- Initiation
- Fruiting
- Harvest
Other factors to consider include supplementation, which is the process of adding a nitrogen-rich nutrient to the mushroom substrate to increase the potential yield. This can be done by adding bran, typically wheat bran or oat bran, to the substrate. However, adding too much supplementation will have detrimental effects. Additionally, gypsum can be added to grains during their soak to ensure proper hydration and optimal mushroom growth.
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Supplementation can increase the potential yield
The amount of mushroom yield per pound of substrate depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, and the growing conditions. While there is no definitive answer to how many pounds of mushrooms can be grown per pound of substrate, supplementation is one technique that can increase the potential yield.
Supplementation is the process of adding a nitrogen-rich nutrient to the mushroom substrate to enhance the mushroom yield. This is done by providing the mycelium with a larger nutritional base, allowing it to produce larger and healthier mushrooms. The most common supplements used are wheat bran and oat bran. However, it is important to note that too much supplementation can have detrimental effects.
The type of substrate used also plays a crucial role in mushroom yield. Common substrates include straw, sawdust, soybean hulls, and wheat bran. The nutritional value of the substrate can be improved by adding plant-based materials high in nitrogen, such as legume straw, hay, soybean straw, or sugar beet pulp. Additionally, the substrate's preparation method can impact the effectiveness of supplementation.
Another factor that affects mushroom yield is the strain of the mushroom. Different strains have different yield characteristics, and choosing a good commercial strain can significantly impact the overall yield.
To optimize the growing process and yield, tools such as substrate calculators can be used. These calculators help determine the precise amount of substrate and spawn needed to grow mushrooms in a monotub-style container. By inputting the dimensions of the growing container and the desired ratios of spawn and bulk ingredients, growers can simplify the mushroom-growing process and achieve superior results.
While there is no exact formula for determining how many pounds of mushrooms can be grown per pound of substrate, supplementation, substrate choice, strain selection, and the use of growing tools can all contribute to increasing the potential yield.
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The amount of spawn does not always correlate with yield
The amount of spawn used does not always correlate with the yield of mushrooms. While more spawn can lead to faster colonisation, it does not necessarily translate to a higher yield, especially if the substrate is already nutritious. The only instance where extra spawn can contribute to a higher yield is when the substrate is of poor quality. In such cases, the spawn can "add" some nutrition and slightly increase the harvest.
The yield of mushrooms depends on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the quality of the substrate, and the growing conditions. Different strains of mushrooms will have different yield characteristics. For example, the biological efficiency of cubensis is roughly 200%. This means that for every gram of dry grain used as a substrate, you can expect to harvest about two grams of fresh cubensis mushrooms.
The quality of the substrate also plays a crucial role in determining the yield. Supplementation, or adding a nitrogen-rich nutrient to the substrate, can increase the potential yield. This is achieved by providing the mycelium with a larger nutritional base, resulting in stronger mycelium and larger, healthier fruits. However, adding too much supplementation can have detrimental effects.
Additionally, the growing conditions, such as temperature, ventilation, and humidity, can significantly impact the yield. For example, oyster mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (64°F) with minimal ventilation, yielding between 1.3 and 1.8 kg (2.9-4 lb) per bag.
To optimise the yield, it is essential to consider all these factors and make adjustments accordingly. Tools like the Funguy Grow Supply Substrate Calculator can help determine the precise amount of substrate and spawn needed for a desired yield. This calculator simplifies the process of growing mushrooms and allows even beginners to achieve superior results.
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Yield can be improved by boosting the nutritional value of the substrate mix
The yield of mushrooms can be improved by boosting the nutritional value of the substrate mix. The process of adding nutrients to the substrate used for mushroom cultivation is called mushroom supplementation. This process involves the application of nutritional amendments to the substrates. The nutritional amendments are added to the compost during the composting process, the mixture of raw materials, at spawning, or during casing.
Mushrooms require external nutrients to grow, and the addition of these external nutrients increases the productivity of low-yielding mushroom varieties. The nutritional requirements of mushrooms include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Nitrogen is a crucial building block for the growth and structural integrity of the mycelium network. Phosphorus is essential for mycelium growth, nutrient absorption, and the pasteurization process. Potassium supports mycelium health and enhances nutrient absorption. Calcium and magnesium are also key nutrients for mushroom growth.
Supplementation can be achieved by adding bran, typically wheat bran or oat bran, to the substrate. However, adding too much supplementation can have detrimental effects. Other supplements include defatted vegetable meal, such as soybean meal, and other organic protein sources.
The amount of mushrooms produced per pound of substrate depends on various factors, including strain, genetics, substrates, and grain. The biological efficiency of cubensis is roughly 200%. For example, using 123 grams of dry grain can result in a yield of around 246 grams of fresh mushrooms. In another example, a yield of 2kg of mushrooms from 15kg of substrate was considered low.
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Frequently asked questions
The yield of mushrooms depends on several factors, including the strain, genetics, substrates, and grain used. On average, a 5-pound block fruits one pound of mushrooms, while a 10-pound block fruits about two pounds.
The biological efficiency (BE) of your mushroom yield can be calculated using the following formula: BE = (total weight of fresh mushrooms / dry weight of substrate) x 100.
To increase your mushroom yield, you can improve the nutritional value of your substrate mix by adding nitrogen-rich supplements such as bran, legume straw, or sugar beet pulp. Additionally, using a substrate calculator can help you determine the precise amount of substrate and spawn needed to optimize your yield.
Common substrates used in mushroom cultivation include straw, sawdust, soybean hulls, wheat bran, hay, cow manure, and chicken manure.
