Enhancing Pearl oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) performance by evaluating the influence of potassium humate and wheat straw on yield and biochemical attributes
This study examined how adding potassium humate (a natural organic compound) to wheat straw substrate affects the growth and quality of oyster mushrooms. Researchers tested seven different amounts of potassium humate over two growing seasons and found that a moderate amount (0.5 g per 500 g straw) produced the best results, increasing both mushroom yield and nutritional value including vitamin C and beneficial sugars. Interestingly, using more potassium humate was not better, showing that balanced application is more effective than maximum supplementation for optimal mushroom production.