Gypsum speeds up mushroom growth in sawdust mix (2024)

Gypsum speeds up mushroom growth in sawdust mix (1)

Gypsum is a mineral that helps speed up the mushroom growing process in small amounts.

A teaspoon of gypsum is added to the supplemented sawdust mix, which also includes hardwood sawdust pellets, wheat bran and water. We use this mix forfive types of mushrooms, including the Lion’s Mane, Chestnut and Shiitake mushrooms.

Gypsum has been found to shorten the time it takes for the mycelium to grow throughout the substrate, according to researchers at the University of Putra Malaysia. That means it’s quicker for the spores to grow throughout the growing block and start to grow mushrooms.

The researchers tested different alkaline materials, such as gypsum, agricultural lime and zeolite, another type of mineral. Only one percent of each mix included an alkaline material. They grew Italian Oyster mushrooms, which we choose to grow using hardwood sawdust and soybean hulls because of their protein content.

It took 30 days for the mycelium in the gypsum mix to spread throughout the block – 18 days quicker than the lime mix and 20 days faster than the zeolite mix. Primordia, or baby mushrooms, started growing the quickest on gypsum mix as well.

Gypsum speeds up mushroom growth in sawdust mix (2)

Gypsum is supposed to help the ingredients mix in the bag without clumping. That makes it better for the mycelium to get the nutrients it needs in the bag to continue spreading. Gypsum also adds calcium and sulphur, which are supposed to neutralize the pH levels of the block, according to researchers in Pakistan. Mushrooms prefer slightly acidic pH levels, but increasing the pH with the gypsum helps prevent bacterial growth.

If you’re interested in trying to grow mushrooms in a mix with gypsum, take a look at our JCB Gourmet Mushrooms Grow Kits on our website. Every mushroom except for the Oyster mushrooms uses the supplemented sawdust mix, which includes gypsum powder. Black King Oyster mushrooms also grow on the supplemented sawdust mix.

Gypsum speeds up mushroom growth in sawdust mix (2024)

FAQs

Gypsum speeds up mushroom growth in sawdust mix? ›

Gypsum is a mineral that helps speed up the mushroom growing process in small amounts. A teaspoon of gypsum is added to the supplemented sawdust mix, which also includes hardwood sawdust pellets, wheat bran and water.

Why add gypsum to mushroom substrate? ›

By maintaining a stable pH, gypsum ensures that the substrate remains within the optimal range for mushroom growth. It essentially creates a stable, healthy environment where mycelium can flourish without being disturbed by fluctuating pH levels. The importance of pH in mushroom cultivation cannot be overstated.

Which gypsum is best for mushroom cultivation? ›

Magical Gypsum is tailored for mushroom cultivation and includes additional inputs that provide a number of benefits for your mushroom grow, including decreased colonization time in grain spawn, higher yields, easier application & better solubility than garden gypsum, increased nutrient uptake, increased water holding ...

How to enrich mushroom substrate? ›

Straw and sawdust make a popular substrate mix due to their availability and ease of preparation. The combination of straw provides a carbon-rich base, while sawdust adds a source of nutrients for mushroom growth.

Do you add gypsum to grain spawn? ›

I also like to throw in a little bit of coffee and gypsum. The coffee changes the pH a bit and is thought to increase yield, while the gypsum is helpful to prevent the grains from sticking together. For ten jars, I like to use about a tablespoon of gypsum and a cup of coffee. Let the grains soak for 12 -24 hours.

How to accelerate mushroom growth? ›

Gypsum is a mineral that helps speed up the mushroom growing process in small amounts. A teaspoon of gypsum is added to the supplemented sawdust mix, which also includes hardwood sawdust pellets, wheat bran and water.

What is the purpose of adding gypsum? ›

Gypsum is added to control the “setting of cement”. If not added, the cement will set immediately after mixing of water leaving no time for concrete placing. Q. Why gypsum is added in the manufacturing process of cement?

How much gypsum per quart jar? ›

The final step before sterilizing your grain is to add some gypsum powder and mix it in thoroughly. Add 1 teaspoon per quart jar of grain spawn, or 2-8% gypsum by dry weight of grain. Mix the gypsum in thoroughly so the grain is covered evenly.

When to use gypsum? ›

Primarily, gypsum is used for helping to break up heavily compacted clay soils making them more porous and able to absorb moisture. This is particularly helpful in areas prone to drought. The addition of gypsum can promote better drainage and air circulation, which can aid root development and nutrient absorption.

What plants benefit from gypsum? ›

Plants that can benefit from gypsum include:

Landscape plants – evergreens, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, pin oak, sweet gum and flowering dogwood. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi – increased colonization and growth rates of these beneficial fungi.

Is there a way to speed up mycelium growth? ›

The higher the inoculation rate or amount of spawn added to the substrate, the faster the mycelium will grow through the substrate.

What boosts mushroom growth? ›

Adequate air, moisture, carbohydrates, and nitrogen are all needed to help the compost pile stimulate mushroom growth. As we said earlier, mushroom cultivation isn't easy. However, if you use these tips, you'll be well on your way to a fruitful yield.

Are coffee grounds a good mushroom substrate? ›

It just makes sense to grow mushrooms in coffee grounds. You make wonderful nutritious oyster mushrooms out of a bountiful waste resource that is still rich with nutrients. You can return the now composted grounds to enrich your soil at the end of the growth cycle to complete its life cycle too.

How often do you add gypsum? ›

Gypsum may be applied any time of year and, depending on the needs of your particular lawn, we may apply it two to three times a year.

How long does gypsum take to work in soil? ›

Gypsum isn't known for its fast-acting results, but after consistently adding it to your soil for three years you should notice that your soil is less compacted and more easily penetrated by plant roots. Over time, this soil will better allow water to run through it. Thus, allowing seeds to emerge from the soil faster.

What does adding gypsum do? ›

Gypsum helps soil better absorb water and reduces erosion. It also cuts down on phosphorus movement from soils to lakes and streams and improves the quality of various fruits and vegetables, among other benefits.”

What is the best additive for mushroom substrate? ›

Vermiculite can be added for additional moisture retention and promotes airflow in the substrate. It is typically blended with hardwood sawdust to produce fruiting blocks. Hardwood dowels are ideal for mushroom plug spawn production and used in log inoculation.

How do you prevent Trichoderma in mushroom substrate? ›

Several measures can be implemented to prevent Trichoderma infestation before it appears, including increased air circulation and ventilation, maintaining a clean and sanitized growing environment, and regularly monitoring your operation for signs of contamination.

How does gypsum help plants grow? ›

Gypsum can help loosen clay soils and improve soil structure by transforming fine, tightly packed particles into larger clumps that make the soil more porous, allowing air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily.

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