Field Capacity
Definition: Field capacity is the optimal moisture level of a bulk substrate where it retains enough water to support mushroom mycelium growth without being waterlogged. Achieving this balance is crucial for successful cultivation.
Determining Field Capacity:
Preparation: Thoroughly mix your substrate material (e.g., CVG, coco coir, vermiculite).
Hydration: Gradually add water, mixing well until uniformly moist.
Testing: Squeeze a handful of substrate. At field capacity, only a few drops should emerge. If water streams out, the substrate is too wet; if none, it's too dry.
Importance: Proper field capacity ensures adequate moisture for mycelium colonization while preventing conditions that favor contaminants. The substrate should not appear wet, to the hand it should feel damp.
Tips:
Different batches of materials, particularly organic materials like coco coir will have different water carrying capacity adjusting the amount of water between batches is important to achieve the appropriate moisture content.
Regularly check and adjust moisture levels.
Use field capacity testing for consistent results across different batches of substrate.
Understanding and maintaining field capacity is fundamental for achieving optimal mushroom growth and yield.
