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Mushrooms, Mycology and Psychedelics > Mushroom Cultivation > Mushroom Cultivation Archive > Casing
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The importance of optimal casing pH
    #1041528 -

Casing material pH & why it is important.

"pH", is a measure to describe the acidity of a medium. pH 7 is neutral; higher means alkaline, lower acidic.

Peat is a major constituent of preferred casing mixes. The pH of peat is variable, dependent on the source it came from. Meaning, the pH of peat differs from various sources.

The preferred pH range of a casing mixture is 6.5 to 8. 7.5 is optimal. Peat is acidic. Consequently, to achieve an optimal pH range of a casing mix, the pH of the casing mixture must be adjusted accordingly (within the range of 6.5 to 8).

The pH of the casing must be within certain limits to support strong mycelial growth. An overly acidic or alkaline casing mixture will depress mycelial growth and supports unwanted competitors.

It is generally easier to make casing materials more alkaline (i.e., increasing the pH) than it is to make them more acid (i.e., reducing the pH).

A movement of 0.5 is easy but, because the pH scale is logarithmic, a movement on the order of, 2.0 points becomes more difficult because there is a factor of 10x between each full point, so pH 5.0 is actually 100 times more acid than pH 7.0.

There are several common types of lime available for use, though care should be exercised with all of the products.  Lime is caustic and a skin and eye irritant and can be dangerous if misused. If you choose to use such products, carefully read and follow all manufacturer directions exactly. The major types of lime products include:

Hydrated Lime:  fast acting, but not long lasting. It is very effective to produce a fast change in pH level. It is also the "strongest" form of lime generally available, and you must follow all manufacturer precautions, since your skin and eyes can be easily irritated or burned if the product is misused.

Ground Limestone:  a naturally occurring type of limestone that has been ground to a fine powder. How quickly it will act to modify pH and how long it will persist depends on how finely it was ground.

Generally, ground limestone is weaker than hydrated lime, needing about 30% more to raise the pH by the same amount. It has the advantage, however, of usually being significantly cheaper than the hydrated lime, and usually works more slowly and lasts much longer.

Mixed Lime:  usually sold under a brand name. Most brands contain a variety of particle sizes to provide some immediate benefits, as well as a longer persistence. (this is often referred to as "time released" lime).

pH gradually falls to less than optimal by the end of cropping due to acids secreted by the mushroom mycelium.  Consequently, a long lasting buffering agent is preferable.

If you wish to achieve optimal results, when adjusting pH? It is highly advisable to use litmus strips (with color chart), or acquire a pH test probe (available at most garden supply stores, under $20) to accurately test, and adjust the pH of your casing mix, prior to application.

Doing all other cultivation steps properly. Then, applying a casing mixture outside the proper pH range, most often creates poor cropping results.

6T  :tongue: 


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

Edited by SixTango (11/10/02 06:19 PM)

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Re: The importance of otpimal casing pH [Re: SixTango] * 1
    #1041546 -

hey man. Great info! ive been messing with the ph of my casings lately and you answered a few questions i had. can optimal ph increase yields? or just keep casings from contaminating in the long run? gonna have to go get me some test strips :wink:. thanks dude 


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dont make me pop a cap!

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Re: The importance of otpimal casing pH [Re: criminulmindid]
    #1041575 -

>>>can optimal ph increase yields?<<<

Yeilds are dependant on several factors. Optimal spawn. Spawn ratio. Substrate type. Substrate moisture. Casing mix & pH. Temp, light & rH. Just to mention a few.

If all else is optimal? You can bet your booties. Optimal pH of a casing mix, WILL increade yeilds.

6T  :tongue: 


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1041641 -

Does anyone know if I can get ground limestone at Walmart?


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I am a reasonable person.

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: JovialLeprechaun]
    #1041686 -

If they have a garden center? They should have it. Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, True Value most often has it. 6T.


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1041693 -

Wally-world...here I come!!!!!!!!


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Carpe Diem <*))))><
Theres one sweet whirld out there!!
Now remember, you are unique! Just like everybody else!

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1041798 -

Great info, thanks for posting


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-I'm a dork-

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: Cheeba]
    #1041931 -

Home Depot (at least in my neck of the woods) has a decent pH testing probe for $12 :laugh:. You might also check Wally World, for one :smile:. 6T  :tongue: 


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1041958 -

i think my next projec will involve lime!
any info about oyster shells as a ph buffer?

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1041964 -

Yeah wally world has limestone I think it is in 40 lbs bags.


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mycelium: (pl. mycelia, adj. mycelial)
Mass of hyphae constituting the body (thallus) of a fungus


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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: trippy]
    #1042069 -

Oyster shells consist primarily of calcuim carbonate (Limestone consists of the same thing).

So do chicken EGG shells, for that matter.  :grin: Save um up. Wash, rinse & crush.

Crushed oyster shells work fine. A mix of powder & grit is preferable. Powder = fast acting. Grit = the life of the casing.

6T  :tongue: 


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango]
    #1042089 -

Does it really matter if the lime is long lasting because the casing is only going to last for a few weeks, . The gardeners i know don't fuck with the long lasting stuff for indoor potted plants. In my area your supposed to spread it on your lawn every 5 years.


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Edited by Shaw (11/10/02 11:06 PM)

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: Shaw]
    #1042110 -

Yup, it matters. Enzymes from Myc turn the casing pH acidic -- fast. I have had a casing last & flush for 6 , almost 7 weeks. 6T  :tongue: 


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~whiskey river rafting, hot tubbing, dirty dancing & spending money on - wild women - having fun & just gonna waste the rest~

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Re: The importance of optimal casing pH [Re: SixTango] * 1
    #1042649 -

Great for the newbies....tango the mentor.clap,,clap,clap,clap


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Respect all, Fear None!
The Peacemaker

Cacti are my new life.....

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Mushrooms, Mycology and Psychedelics > Mushroom Cultivation > Mushroom Cultivation Archive > Casing
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