Substrate Calculator

Calculate optimal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios for successful mushroom cultivation

Current Mix

Substrate C:N Ratio Weight
Total Weight:
kg

Final C:N Ratio

-

Quick Reference

Optimal Ranges

  • 25:1 – 35:1 General Purpose
  • 38:1 – 58:1 Oyster Mushroom
  • 25:1 – 35:1 Lion's Mane
  • 20:1 – 25:1 Shiitake
  • 15:1 – 17:1 Button Mushroom
  • 70:1 – 80:1 Reishi
  • 25:1 – 29:1 Enoki
Higher C:N Ratio
  • Favors mycelial colonization
  • May delay fruiting
Lower C:N Ratio
  • Earlier fruiting
  • Higher protein content
  • Risk of contamination

Quick Load Recipes

Understanding C:N Ratios in Mushroom Cultivation

The carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. This ratio affects mycelial growth, fruiting patterns, and overall yield.

Why C:N Ratio Matters

  • Mycelial Growth: Higher C:N ratios (more carbon) favor strong colonization but may delay fruiting.
  • Fruiting & Yield: Lower C:N ratios (more nitrogen) promote earlier and more abundant fruiting.
  • Nutritional Content: Lower C:N ratios can increase the protein content of your mushrooms.

Optimizing Your Substrate

  • Use our calculator to achieve the ideal ratio for your specific mushroom variety.
  • Combine high-carbon and nitrogen-rich materials for balanced nutrition.
  • Monitor and adjust ratios based on your mushroom's growth patterns.

Popular Substrate Mix Recipes

Master's Mix

Suitable for: Lion's Mane, King Oyster

Components:
  • • Hardwood Sawdust (50%) - 150:1
  • • Soybean Hulls (50%) - 19.3:1

Preparation: Sterilize at 15 psi for 90 minutes.

High-yield substrate with up to 300% biological efficiency.

Straw with Wheat Bran

Suitable for: Oyster Mushrooms

Components:
  • • Straw (95%) - 80:1
  • • Wheat Bran (5%) - 17:1

Preparation: Pasteurize straw at 160°F (71°C) for 1 hour.

Simple and cost-effective substrate.

Coffee Grounds Blend

Suitable for: Oyster, Shiitake

Components:
  • • Coffee Grounds (33%) - 20:1
  • • Coconut Coir (33%) - 100:1
  • • Vermiculite (33%) - N/A

Preparation: Sterilize or use fresh coffee grounds.

Utilizes waste materials.

Compost and Manure Mix

Suitable for: Button, Portobello

Components:
  • • Composted Manure (40%) - 20:1
  • • Mature Compost (40%) - 15:1
  • • Straw (20%) - 80:1

Preparation: Compost ingredients thoroughly.

Rich in nutrients.

Lion's Mane Specific Mix

Suitable for: Lion's Mane

Components:
  • • Beech Sawdust (Base) - 325:1
  • • Wheat Bran (20%) - 17:1
  • • Rye Grain (25%) - 20:1
  • • Soybean Meal (7%) - 5:1
  • • Rapeseed Meal (10%) - 6:1
  • • Meat Osseous Flour (6%) - 3:1

Preparation: Adjust pH to 6.0; sterilize before inoculation.

Optimized for Hericium erinaceus growth.

Research-Optimized Oyster Mix

Optimal for: Pleurotus ostreatus (2017 Research)

Components:
  • • Rice Husks (15%)
  • • Lentil Stubble (40%)
  • • Sugarcane Bagasse (40%)
  • • Soybean Meal (3%)
  • • Calcium Carbonate (2%)

Target C:N Ratio: 47.99:1

Expected Results:

  • • Biological Efficiency: 177.37%%
  • • Protein Content: 31.13%%
  • • First Harvest: 25-28 days

Research Literature & Species-Specific Ratios

Agaricus bisporus (White Button Mushroom)

Optimal C:N Ratio: 15:1 to 17:1

This study evaluated the yield of four Agaricus bisporus strains cultivated on three different compost formulations. It analyzed the moisture, carbon, and nitrogen contents, as well as the C:N ratio and pH of the composts, to determine optimal conditions for mushroom growth.

View Research
Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom)

Optimal C:N Ratio: 38:1 to 58:1 (Peak at 47.99:1)

Recent research shows optimal performance at C:N ratio of 47.99:1, achieving 177.37% biological efficiency and 31.13% protein content. The study found C:N ratio to be more influential than nitrogen content alone in predicting productivity.

View Research
Lentinula edodes (Shiitake)

Optimal C:N Ratio: 20:1 to 25:1

This study focused on optimizing growth conditions for Lentinula edodes mycelium and fruiting body production. It highlighted the importance of the C:N ratio as a major factor influencing mycelial growth rate and the development of bioactive compounds.

View Research
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)

Optimal C:N Ratio: 70:1 to 80:1

The research utilized stable isotope ratios (C and N) to analyze the quality control of Ganoderma lucidum. It measured the carbon and nitrogen contents, providing insights into the optimal C:N ratios for cultivating high-quality Reishi mushrooms.

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Agaricus brasiliensis (Brazilian Mushroom)

Optimal C:N Ratio: 11:1 to 50:1

This study aimed to verify the mycelial growth of Agaricus brasiliensis on different C:N ratios using regional by-products as substrate formulations. It concluded that substrates with a C:N ratio of 11:1 yielded the highest mycelial growth, while ratios above 100:1 resulted in the lowest growth.

View Research
Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane)

Optimal C:N Ratio: Varies depending on substrate

This research explored the commercial-scale production of Hericium erinaceus using different substrates. It found that substrates with higher initial organic matter and carbon content, such as 100{}ubber sawdust with a C:N ratio of 65.48, provided higher mushroom yields and growth attributes.

View Research

C:N Ratio Calculation Method

  1. Determine ash content (%) of the sample.
  2. Calculate organic matter (%) as: 100 - ash %.
  3. Estimate carbon content (%) as: organic matter × 0.5.
  4. Measure nitrogen content (%) using laboratory analysis.
  5. Calculate C:N ratio as: carbon content / nitrogen content.

Source: UMDIS - The C:N Ratio in Mushroom Compost

Example Calculation
  • Ash Content: 40%
  • Organic Matter: 60%
  • Carbon Content: 30%
  • Nitrogen Content: 2%
  • Result: 15:1 C:N ratio