Effects of Different Calcium Sources and Doses on Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Production in Eucalyptus Sawdust-Based Substrates

Shiitake grows on lignin-rich materials and can be cultivated on wood substrate (sawdust), to which wheat, rice, and/or corn bran is added to correct the C/N ratio. In addition to the C/N ratio, another concern regarding substrate production is pH and calcium supply. Therefore, this manuscript seeks to elucidate the agronomic parameters of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) cultivated with different doses of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and gypsum (calcium sulfate, CaSO4) in a substrate based on eucalyptus sawdust. Three doses of carbonate (0, 1, and 2%) and three doses of gypsum (0, 2.5, and 5%) were used, totaling nine treatments. Two experiments were conducted, each with a different strain (LED 19/11 and LED 22/02). The results indicate that gypsum supplementation is not required, as it led to a decrease in yield and biological efficiency. Conversely, the incorporation of 1% calcium carbonate enhanced productivity in the LED 19/11 strain. Calcium source and dosage significantly influenced the agronomic performance of L. edodes, with 1% calcium carbonate providing the most consistent positive effects on yield and biological efficiency. These findings emphasize the importance of strain-specific mineral management to optimize productivity and substrate chemical balance in shiitake cultivation.