Pilzhof Nettetal

The climate in a mushroom cell has a major influence on both the quality and yield of the mushrooms. To produce high-quality mushrooms, the temperature, humidity and  CO₂ level must remain stable during all stages of the process: from compost preparation and drying to the actual production.

Too low humidity can lead to schob formation, where the outer layer of the mushroom becomes rough and scaly. This reduces quality and shortens the shelf life of the product. Too high humidity, on the other hand, increases the chances of mould and bacterial growth, which can result in brown spots on the mushrooms. In addition, the right humidity ensures that the mushrooms are the right size. The required humidity level varies from stage to stage, making it important that the humidity level can be accurately adjusted.

At Pilzhof Nettetal, the compost is delivered ready-to-use, resulting in higher production capacity. The compost consists of a carefully composed mix of horse manure, chicken manure and straw. The compost is dried before delivery of Pilzhof Nettetal, where mushroom production can begin immediately. During this phase, the humidity level should be kept at 88% to avoid schob formation.

Climate control is also crucial when growing oyster mushrooms. First, the oyster mushrooms spend two weeks in a cell at a temperature of 20°C. Then they are cooled before being placed back in the cell. During this phase, buds develop that eventually grow into full-fledged oyster mushrooms.

To prevent problems such as schob formation and bacterial growth, Pilzhof decided to apply air assisted humidifiers in 8 mushrooms cells of approx. 108 m2. Here, humidity can be adjusted to the different phases, ensuring optimal humidity for mushroom production.

Air assisted humidification is known for its simplicity and robustness. The compressed-air pressure causes the water to be atomised very finely, evaporating it quickly and effectively. The atomisation is regulated using so-called flow controllers. Both the atomisation capacity and droplet size can be controlled with these. This means that one system can easily be adjusted to optimally suit the different areas of the room. In this way, one system can easily be optimally adjusted in different areas of the room. Air-assisted humidifiers can be suspended directly in the chamber or cell. In addition, the compressor requires little energy to supply the humidifiers. Comulus air assisted humidification is low-maintenance, easy to implement and self-cleaning.

Pilzhof Nettetal is delighted with the humidification from Cumulus Nederland B.V. "The air assisted humidifiers work well. They ensure that the mushrooms do not get schob formation or brown spots. In addition, the right humidity ensures that the mushrooms do not get too small or too big." - said Frank Goert (owner Pilzhof Nettetal).