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Shiitake Mushroom Substrate Mixing Guide
2026-03-17
Small-scale production adopts manual mixing, while large-scale production uses machine mixing. The machine mixing process is as follows:
Before mixing, sieve the sawdust to remove large pieces and impurities to prevent puncturing the plastic bags. Weigh the required raw materials according to the formula. Mix wheat bran and gypsum powder thoroughly, then sprinkle into the sawdust and mix evenly in dry condition. Add water to the mixture immediately. After the first 10-minute mixing, transfer to a secondary mixer for another 10 minutes to ensure uniform moisture content. Generally, the moisture content should be 55%–58%. Avoid over-wet or over-dry materials.
1. Moisture Content Measurement
Squeeze the substrate tightly: water seeps between fingers but does not drip; the substrate clumps in the palm; it breaks into pieces when thrown. This indicates about 55% moisture.
- Too dry: clumps and cracks easily, crumbles when thrown.
- Too wet: water drips between fingers, does not crumble when thrown.
Adjustment:
- Insufficient moisture: add water.
- Excessive moisture: spread and air-dry to proper level (do not add dry substrate to avoid ratio deviation).
2. pH Value Determination
Pre-sterilization pH: 6–7 (will naturally drop to 5–6 after sterilization).
Test method:
- Mix 5g medium with 10mL neutral water, test the clear liquid with litmus paper.
- Or insert broad-spectrum pH paper into medium for 3 seconds, compare with the standard color chart.
Adjustment:
- Too acidic: add 4% sodium hydroxide solution or lime water.
- Too alkaline: add 3% hydrochloric acid solution.
3. Key Notes for Substrate Mixing
① Calculate moisture content including the raw material’s own moisture to avoid errors.
② Lower moisture improves bag success rate but may hinder mycelium growth and reduce yield. Balance is essential.
③ Uneven mixing causes nutrient imbalance and non-uniform moisture, leading to poor mycelium growth, contamination, shrinkage or aging.
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Henan Joconn Machinery Co., Ltd. is an enterprise specializing in the production of mushroom equipment. It is engaged in the development, production and application of machinery and equipment for mushroom growth production lines.