Effect of Different Preparation Methods of Rice Straw on Yield And Growth of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Mushroom cultivation is increasingly recognized as a sustainable protein source, particularly in developing regions. This study investigates the impact of altering straw preparation methods to enhance surface area on nutrient availability and mushroom yield. Utilizing a completely randomized design, four treatments were implemented: T1 (Rice straw as chips - 5cm-10cm), T2 (Rice straw as chips - 1cm-5cm), T3 (Rice straw dust), and T4 (Control – saw-powder with conventional method). The parameters assessed encompassed mushroom yield, average width of individual mushrooms, and branch number. Results indicate that the highest yield was attained from the straw powder treatment, highlighting the potential of finely ground straw as a favorable growth medium. Notably, the control group (T4) exhibited the greatest number of branches, suggesting the efficacy of the conventional saw-powder method in promoting branching. Nevertheless, the straw powder treatment surpassed straw chip treatments in branch production. Remarkably, no significant disparities in mushroom width were observed across treatments. Moreover, the study elucidated the superior water-holding capacity of straw medium compared to wood powder medium, underscoring the potential of straw as a cost-effective substrate for mushroom cultivation. These findings advocate for the utilization of finely ground straw powder to optimize yield and emphasize the water retention capability of straw medium. Consequently, this research contributes to the refinement of cultivation practices and the advancement of sustainable mushroom cultivation methods, with potential benefits for both agricultural practitioners and consumers.