In recent years, the author has introduced an innovative method of cultivating purple auricular fungus using outdoor soil, achieving a production increase of more than 30% compared to traditional techniques. This approach not only improves yield but also enhances the quality of the final product.
1. **Cultivation Season**: Purple auricular fungus is a medium-to-high temperature species. It can be cultivated from March to April by preparing the bags, and the ears will start to grow in May. This timing ensures optimal conditions for growth.
2. **Strain Selection**: The selected strains should have strong decomposition ability, resistance to contamination, fast mycelium growth, and high quality and yield. A recommended strain is Caoyou 1x2. The original strain must be vigorous, pure, and with short fungal ridges to ensure successful cultivation.
3. **Material Preparation and Bagging**: The formula includes 79% grass clippings (or chopped crop stalks and weeds), 10% bran (or rice bran), 5% Corn flour, 3% lime, 1.5% compound fertilizer, 1% plaster, and 0.5% sugar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, add water to achieve a moisture content of 60-65%, then pile and ferment for 5-7 days, turning 2-3 times when the temperature reaches 60-65°C. After fermentation, the mixture is bagged into 15 cm x 40 cm bags.
4. **Sterilization and Inoculation**: Sterilize the bags immediately after filling. Use a steaming stove at normal pressure (100–105°C) for 10–12 hours. Once cooled to 30°C, inoculate the bags in a sterile environment using aseptic procedures. Two methods are used: one for sealing while inoculating, ensuring minimal contamination risk.
5. **Mycelium Management**: After inoculation, move the bags to a shaded area and stack them neatly. During early stages (April), temperatures may be too low, so maintain a consistent 26–28°C. If mycelium growth is slow, use a sterile needle to create small holes to increase oxygen supply. After 30–45 days, the bags will be fully colonized. Transfer to ear management after one week.
6. **Ear Field Preparation**: Choose a site such as near the house, in a garden, or in a vegetable field. Ensure good ventilation, drainage, and irrigation. If no natural shade is available, build a 2m high shade net to provide diffused light. Prepare the ground by digging trenches 1–1.2m wide and 0.15–0.2m deep, with drainage ditches around. Finally, spray insecticides and sterilizing agents to protect the crop.
7. **Soil Cover Cultivation**: Remove the material bags and place them in the prepared beds with 2cm spacing. Fill the gaps with sterile manure and cover with 2cm of fertile soil. Place a plastic sheet over the bed to retain moisture. After 5–7 days, the hyphae will spread into the soil. Water once, and within a few days, ear buds will appear on the surface. Control temperature and humidity, and improve air circulation. Under ideal conditions, the ears will mature in about 15 days and can be harvested promptly. After each harvest, stop watering for a few days before resuming for the next cycle. A total of four harvests can be made, with a yield efficiency of 120–150%.
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