GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

58
BIOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY: AN EXPRESSION OF YIELD
Many of the techniques described in this
book will give yields substantiallyhigher than
100% B. E. Up to 1/2 conversion of wet substrate
mass into harvestable mushrooms is
possible. (I have succeeded in obtaining such
yields with sets of Oyster, Shiitake, and Lion's
Mane. Although 250% B. B. is exceptional, a
good grower should operate within the 75-
125% range.) Considering the innate power of
the mushroom mycelium to transform waste
products into highly marketable delicacies, it is
understandable why scientists, entrepreneurs,
and ecologists are awestruck by the prospects
of recycling with mushrooms.
Superior yields can be attained by carefully
following the techniques outlined in this book,
paying strict attention to detail, and matching
these techniques with the right strain. The best
way to improve yields is simply to increase the
spawn rate. Often the cultivator's best strategy
Byproducts of Straw Substrate
Due to Conversion by
Pleurotus ostreatus
is not to seek the highest overall yield. The
first, second, and third crops (or flushes) are
usually the best, with each successive flush de-
creasing. For indoor cultivators, who are
concerned with optimizing yield and crop ro-
tation from each growing room, maximizing
yield indoors may incur unacceptable risks. For
instance, as the mycelium declines in vigor after
several flushes, contaminants begin to
flourish. Future runs are quickly imperiled.
If growing on sterilized sawdust, I recom-
mend removing the blocks after the third flush
to a specially constructed, four sided, open-air
netted growing room.This over-flow or' 'yield recapture"
environment is simply fitted with an
overhead nozzle misting system. Natural air cur-
rents provide plenty of circulation. These
recapture buildings givebonus crops and require
minimum maintenance. Growers in Georgia
and Louisiana have perfect climates for this a!-
Carbon Dioxide
1111111 Water
Mushrooms
Residual Compost
_____________
50.0%
20.0%
10.0%
20.0%
Figure 39. Chart showing comparison of by-products generated by Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mycelium's
decomposition of wheat straw. (Adapted from Zadrazil (1976)).
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