After years of practical experience in mushroom cultivation, the authors have demonstrated that using broad bean stalks as a substrate for growing straw mushrooms yields 2-3 times more than rice straw, and is comparable to cottonseed hulls. For every 100 kg of raw material, approximately 40 kg of fresh straw mushrooms can be harvested, generating an income of over 400 yuan.
1. **Raw Material Preparation**
Once the broad bean stalks are harvested, they are thoroughly dried. Then, they are spread out on the ground and crushed using a mortar or mechanical rolling to break them into small pieces measuring 5–10 cm in length. This ensures better nutrient absorption during the fermentation process.
2. **Cultivation Substrate Formula**
The ideal formula consists of 80% broad bean stalks, 10% dry cow dung powder, 4% wheat bran or rice bran, 2% rapeseed cake powder, 2% superphosphate, and 2% gypsum powder. Additionally, 5% lime powder is added to adjust the pH. The final mixture should have a pH of around 9 and a moisture content of 65%.
3. **Heap Fermentation**
Before starting the fermentation, the broad bean stalks are fully pre-wetted with lime water. The other ingredients, including cow dung powder, are mixed well and then pre-wetted with a 1:500 dilution of carbendazim solution. The heap is built by layering 20 cm of broad bean stalks, followed by a layer of the mixed auxiliary materials, and repeating this process until the pile reaches a height and width of 1 meter. If necessary, lime water is added in layers to maintain moisture. Once the heap is complete, the outer layer is moistened and left to ferment.
4. **Turning the Heap**
When the internal temperature of the pile rises to 60°C, it should be turned after 48 hours. During turning, the inner and outer materials are swapped, and the heap is rebuilt. When the temperature rises again above 60°C, it is left for another 24 hours before being turned once more. A total of 3–4 turns are performed over 7–8 days. Each time the heap is turned, the moisture level inside is checked, and lime water is added if needed. After fermentation, the material should be dark brown, soft, elastic, free from pests, and have no ammonia or acidic smell. It should also contain numerous white actinomycetes, with a pH of 9 and moisture content of 65%, indicating high-quality substrate.
5. **Inoculation**
The "two-stage cultivation method" is recommended. Use 24×45 cm polyethylene bags filled with the prepared substrate and inoculated with two layers of mycelium. Once the bag is fully colonized, the plastic is removed, and the substrate is covered with fermented soil to promote higher yields. Alternatively, large beds can be used with a wave planting method, where two layers of material are broadcast with two types of spores, and the surface is covered with 2 cm of nutrient-rich soil.
6. **Fruiting Management**
After sowing, the temperature of the substrate should be maintained at around 30°C. Within 7–8 days, the mycelium will fully colonize the material. At this stage, the air humidity should be increased to 90% to support primordium development. Once the fruiting bodies reach the size of broad beans, water should be sprayed 3–4 times daily. The water temperature should match the ambient temperature, and direct spraying of cold or deep water should be avoided, as it can cause mushroom death. After each watering, proper ventilation is essential to ensure sufficient oxygen supply. Harvesting can begin after about 3–4 days.
7. **Harvesting**
Straw mushrooms should be harvested promptly when the fruiting body changes from dark to light in color. The veil should be tightly closed over the cap, or the veil should just begin to separate from the stem. Harvesting should be done 2–3 times per day. Under normal conditions, 3–4 harvests can be made within a 30-day cycle, ensuring consistent yield and quality.
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