PRECISION IRRIGATION OF MUSHROOMS USING A NOVEL DIELECTRIC TENSIOMETER

摘要

A dielectric moisture sensor with a specified porous material which contacts the substrate to be measured has been developed to measure the matric potential (water suction pressure) of casing and compost. This sensor has enabled the availability of water to be measured independently of the water holding characteristics of the casing or compost. The output from moisture sensors positioned in the casing and compost has been used to control an automated drip irrigation system.The mushroom yield and quality of crops grown with the system were compared with those obtained from an overhead sprinkler irrigation system controlled by a timer but also monitored with the sensors. Applications of water and mushroom yields with the two irrigation systems were similar. The cropping benefit of the sensor controlled drip irrigation system was a heavier mushroom piece weight and greater tissue density. The moisture sensors can identify wet and dry areas in a growing room and have the potential to improve uniformity in substrate moisture and mushroom cropping.