2003 Annual Report for FNE03-462
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2003: $5,740.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2005
Region: Northeast
State: West Virginia
Project Leader:
Daniel Freeman
Freeman Fungi
Yield Differences Between Log Cultivation of Shiitake Mushrooms and Indoor Enriched Blocks
Summary
Traditionally, gourmet mushrooms are log grown, which means that the crop is exposed to weather, bacteria, viruses, and animals. A new growing technique that uses organic enriched sawdust indoors is now available, and the farmers will conduct trials of its economic feasibility. Costs, labor, and yield will be tracked for the indoor and outdoor methods, and the results will be offered on a Web site and at a field day.