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akb112211
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Fungal decomposition (ps. cyanescens)
#7665682 - 11/22/07 03:27 AM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Does anyone know how to write a simple chemical equation for fungal decomposition of organic matter? Is it something that can be written? I am curious because of this thread I posted in "Cultivation" http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/7661622/an/0/page/0 I'm not getting many responses due to the unpopular nature of wood-loving mushroom cultivation.
My concern is of course the formaldehyde content of MDF, my chosen substrate for ps. cyanescens. I'm mainly interested in its toxicity and relevance(or irrelevance) in the colonization of mycelium. Are its constituent parts being taken up by the fungi? Could this be hazardous to one's health? I am also interested in the fact that this substrate(MDF) is composed of softwood. Also, Cyans generally prefer hardwood substrates. That is correct right? What is allowing/promoting this rapid colonization?
So, I would like to open up this discussion to anyone who is interested in my undertakings. Chime in for general discussion of fungal decomposition and its roll in nature too. Thanks for reading!
-------------------- "There never was and never will be, Nor is there now, The wholly criticized Or the wholly approved"
Edited by akb112211 (11/22/07 04:33 AM)
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drwatson
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Re: Fungal decomposition (ps. cyanescens) [Re: akb112211]
#7666495 - 11/22/07 10:22 AM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
akb112211 said: Chime in for general discussion of fungal decomposition and its roll in nature too. Thanks for reading!
Well now that you mention it I kind of picture fungus as a constant rolling "undertow" of natural things. Everything will eventually decompose and Fungus will be apart of that process. Fungus is like nature's alchemist - changing one substance into another for it's own use.
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Defiance
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Re: Fungal decomposition (ps. cyanescens) [Re: akb112211]
#7667465 - 11/22/07 04:24 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
akb112211 said: I am also interested in the fact that this substrate(MDF) is composed of softwood. Also, Cyans generally prefer hardwood substrates. That is correct right? What is allowing/promoting this rapid colonization?
So, I would like to open up this discussion to anyone who is interested in my undertakings. Chime in for general discussion of fungal decomposition and its roll in nature too. Thanks for reading!
One possibility is the adhesive binder. I've seen cube myc colonize the adhesive surface of tape in my bins. I wonder what exactly holds MDF together...
edit: http://fennerschool-associated.anu.edu.au//fpt/mdf/manufacture.html#chip]
These guys say that "resin" and wax hold the whole mess together. I'm sure wax is no problem for mycellium - and cyans obviously like the resin, whatever it is, if they'll run on MDF.
Also it looks like the wood is totally pulped and heated at 150C as part of the manufacture process. The resulting fiber mess is described as "fluffy". This looks like it could be a really good substrate, once that whole poison thing is worked out.
Edited by Defiance (11/22/07 04:33 PM)
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akb112211
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Re: Fungal decomposition (ps. cyanescens) [Re: drwatson]
#7669185 - 11/23/07 04:52 AM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
drwatson said:
Well now that you mention it I kind of picture fungus as a constant rolling "undertow" of natural things. Everything will eventually decompose and Fungus will be apart of that process. Fungus is like nature's alchemist - changing one substance into another for it's own use.
What you said seems to be the basis of this lecture topic that I found. Its the first or second link that comes up on google when searching this post topic. http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/BOT135/LECT10.HTM
I know this is a lazy way to discuss that I brought up, but I was simply intrigued with this lecture. I just find it hard to believe that many biologists/ecologists(lets just say natural scientists) in the past haven't really considered fungi as a "main decomposer". It is THE decomposer of decomposers. anyway, reading on.
As for the formaldehyde, well, I suppose I shouldn't have started a similar topic in two forums. Pretty foolish trying to keep up with two or three topics of the same origin in two different threads. I got a bit ahead of myself through curiosity.
Anyway, formaldehyde based resin doesn't appear to be much of a problem. Seeing that it is an organic compound and will be sorted out by the mycelium. It appears that the mycelium actually likes it as an energy source. The wood fibers(I imagine) through heating and expanding and possibly damaging cell walls, allows for faster colonization. It also soaks up water and holds it well. My question still remains in my head. What is the best substrate for wood-loving mushrooms? Hardwood chips? whole wood? Softwood heated and treated(losing its natural terpenes, etc)? hypothetically, how about hard and soft wood, ground up, reconstituted with some type of (fungi loving)resin to hold it together loosely in chunks. Whatever, I'm rambling and getting bored of myself.
So, continue this topic or let it die off. Whatever you wish.
-------------------- "There never was and never will be, Nor is there now, The wholly criticized Or the wholly approved"
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