Environmental implications and nutrient management: Influence of essential mineral elements on sustainable growth and quality of Lentinus edodes in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau

Abstract

The study aimed to explore how varying concentrations of calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and potassium (K⁺) in water influence the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushrooms), with the test strain Liao Fu No.4 (0912). L. edodes is known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, making it an important agricultural crop, particularly on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where environmental conditions are unique. The study designed five concentration gradients of these minerals based on their natural occurrence in water from different farms. Results measured the impact of these concentrations on the mycelium growth rate, fruiting body yield, agronomic traits, and the content of polysaccharides and protein in the mushrooms. The results showed that calcium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations significantly influenced both the growth and the nutritional composition of L. edodes. It was found that water containing calcium levels between 41-105 mg/L, magnesium between 7.04- 8.56 mg/L, and potassium between 7.26-8.85 mg/L promoted faster mycelium growth and higher yields. These optimal concentrations also improved the nutritional quality of the mushrooms by increasing polysaccharide and protein content in the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, the agronomic traits, including size and firmness, were enhanced under these conditions, making the mushrooms more commercially viable. In conclusion, the study provides practical insights for farmers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and similar regions, suggesting that selecting water sources with these specific mineral concentrations can improve both the yield and the nutritional value of L. edodes, thereby optimizing mushroom production.