2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Field experiments were used to determine the effect of year-round row-inter cropping on “Shiitake” and “Oyster” mushroom growth, yield potential, soil and water quality, product development and consumer acceptance. Growth and yield potentials of both indoor and outdoor-grown Shiitake mushrooms were also compared. The study also determined the growth and yield potential for outdoor-grown “Garden Giant” mushroom patches. Findings indicated that both Shiitake and Oyster mushroom blocks planted outdoors were unproductive during the first growing season until adequate overhead sprinkler irrigation and partial shading from companion vegetables and herbs were provided during the second growing season. Shiitake and Oyster mushroom blocks planted outdoors in a growing season produced marketable yields into the following growing season when factors of production were not limiting. Total phosphorus in the runoff was higher for Claiborne County compared to Jefferson County. Both Nitrate (NO₃-N) and Nitrite (NO₂-N) were not different for the two counties. Marketable yields from outdoor-grown Shiitake mushrooms were greater than those from indoor-grown mushrooms. They were also higher in their macro nutrient levels. Both productivity and profitability were greater for Shiitake mushroom compared to those reported for Oyster mushrooms. Both Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms can be grown year-round outdoors in Southwest Mississippi if proper strain(s) for each planting season are planted and growth factors are not limiting.