Hydrated Lime Powder For Mushroom Substrate - Food and Lab Grade

Discover the Ideal Hydrated Lime Powder for Mushroom Substrates and Casing Mix

Available in convenient 2-pound heavy-duty resealable mylar bags.

Perfect for use in mushroom casing mixes and substrates.

Key Features:

• Fine lime powder
• Food-grade and organic quality
• Complements gypsum in substrate preparation

In the realm of mushroom cultivation, gypsum and lime are two essential additives employed to tailor the characteristics of the substrate, specifically addressing pH levels and substrate texture. Here's how the harmonious partnership of gypsum and lime unfolds in the realm of mushroom cultivation:

Balancing pH Levels:

Gypsum: In its natural state, gypsum is pH-neutral, but when integrated into a substrate, it imparts a subtle alkaline influence. This proves invaluable when the substrate's pH skews excessively acidic. Mushrooms, as a rule, flourish in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6 to 7. Gypsum serves to elevate the substrate's pH to the preferred range for optimal mushroom development.

Lime: Lime, often in the form of calcium carbonate, enters the stage when the substrate's pH needs to be elevated from excessive acidity. Lime is alkaline and can counterbalance the prevailing acidity within the substrate.

When gypsum and lime are combined, their collective action allows for fine-tuning the pH level to meet the specific requirements of the mushroom species under cultivation. The quantities and ratios of gypsum and lime applied are contingent on the substrate's initial pH and the targeted pH range dictated by the particular mushroom species.

Enhancing Substrate Texture:

Gypsum: Beyond its pH-adjusting role, gypsum contributes to the substrate's structure and water-holding capacity. It helps avert excessive compaction, which could otherwise impede airflow and hinder root development within the mycelium, the mushroom's vegetative stage.

Lime: Lime steps in to enhance the substrate's texture by reducing compaction and promoting porosity. Additionally, it mitigates the stickiness and clumping of the substrate.

When deployed together, gypsum and lime cooperate in maintaining the substrate's ideal texture. This synergy is pivotal for ensuring efficient mycelium colonization and, consequently, a successful mushroom fruiting phase.

Incorporating gypsum and lime in mushroom cultivation necessitates careful pH testing and subsequent adjustments, all tailored to the specific demands of the mushroom species being cultivated and the initial pH conditions of the substrate. Growers should adhere to recommended guidelines and prescribed ratios to achieve the optimal pH and substrate texture for a flourishing mushroom cultivation endeavor.