CVG coco coir, vermiculite, gypsum BULK SUB TEK

[myco_jordan]

Comprehensive Guide to Preparing CVG Substrate for Mycology

CVG substrate, consisting of Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum, stands as a favored choice among mycologists for its exceptional moisture retention, aeration, and overall composition. This writeup offers a scalable and straightforward approach to preparing CVG substrate with the option to include or exclude gypsum, either recipe ensures optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation.

Materials Needed:

Coco Coir
Vermiculite
Gypsum
Large mixing container or bucket
Boiling water
Measuring cups or scale
Gloves and mask for safety

CVG Simple Recipe (Using “Part” Measurements):

5 parts Coco Coir
2 parts Vermiculite (the ratio of coco coir to vermiculite can be adjusted, but always lesser part vermiculite)
0.1 parts Gypsum – optional *(1% of the total volume of Coco Coir and Vermiculite combined)
Sufficient boiling water to hydrate the mixture

Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing container or bucket, combine the Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum in the specified proportions. Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Hydrating the Substrate:

Once the dry ingredients are well combined, add sufficient boiling water to the mixture to initiate hydration. The water should fully saturate the substrate mixture, but avoid excess water pooling at the bottom of the container. This is known as “field capacity” You can check for this by squeezing the cooled, wet substrate in your hand, if properly hydrated there will be maybe one or two drops of water being released from the substrate as you apply pressure, this test will tell you if the substrate is optimally hydrated.

Seal the container tightly with a lid to trap heat and moisture inside to begin the pasteurization process. Wrapping the container in a blanket to trap the heat in for longer can ensure a proper pasteurization period, however not necessary.

Step 3: Pasteurization Process:

As the substrate cools within the sealed container, the residual heat from the boiling water initiates the pasteurization process, effectively eliminating potential contaminants and pathogens.

Allow the substrate to cool gradually to room temperature, ensuring pasteurization occurs over several hours.

Step 4: Monitoring and Adjusting Moisture:

If you have completed all steps up to this point and your substrate is over saturated you can drain of excess moisture using gravity to your advantage. Depositing the substrate into a pillow sack or similar clean, cloth bag, can hold the substrate as excess moisture drains away. Once you have completed this process a few times you will get a feel for how much moisture is necessary for different measurements.

If necessary, add small amounts of boiling water or dry substrate components to achieve the desired moisture content. While this in theory could be a vector for contamination, for the most part the materials used are of little to no nutritional value, lessening that risk.

Step 5: Inoculation Preparation:

Once the substrate has cooled and reached the desired moisture level, it is ready for inoculation with mushroom spawn.

Follow standard inoculation procedures, ensuring cleanliness and sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

By following this simple approach to preparing CVG, bulk substrate prep is a breeze, so you can create an ideal environment for robust mushroom cultivation. The pasteurization process, coupled with careful moisture management, and clean spawn sets the stage for successful fruiting.

• This topic was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by myco_jordan.

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