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SUBSTRATE DESIGN MASTERCLASS

Master the Science of Mushroom Substrates

Workshop instructor demonstrating substrate mixing techniques.

The Afrifungi Substrate Design Masterclass is an immersive, hands-on course that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to create high-quality substrates for mushroom cultivation. Substrates are the backbone of mushroom farming, providing the nutrients and structure necessary for healthy growth and abundant yields.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this masterclass is designed to help you optimise your substrates for efficiency, sustainability, and species-specific needs.

What you’ll learn

Substrate Basics

Understand the role of substrates in mushroom farming and their impact on yield and quality.

Preparation Techniques

Learn how to prepare and mix substrates for different mushroom species.

Customisation

Discover how to tailor substrates to meet the unique needs of specific mushrooms.

Sustainability Practices

Explore the use of alternative, eco-friendly materials to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.

Who is this mastercalss for?

Aspiring Growers

Beginners eager to learn how to design and prepare substrates effectively for successful cultivation.

Professional Farmers

Experienced cultivators aiming to refine their techniques and enhance production efficiency.

Innovators

Individuals exploring sustainable and alternative substrate materials for specialised applications in mycology.

Why register for The Substrate Design Masterclass?

The Substrate Design Masterclass offers the perfect blend of practical skills and scientific principles, enabling participants to take their mushroom farming to the next level. With Afrifungi’s expert guidance, you’ll leave with the confidence to design substrates that improve yield, sustainability, and quality in every harvest.

Enquire about this Masterclass

Key Topics Covered

1

Introduction to Substrate Design

Understanding substrates and their role in mushroom cultivation.
Key components of substrates: carbon sources, nitrogen balance, and moisture levels.
2

Raw Material Selection

Choosing materials such as straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, and agricultural by-products.
Evaluating sustainability and availability of raw materials.
3

Substrate Recipes and Ratios

Crafting recipes tailored to specific mushroom species.
Balancing carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios for optimal growth.
4

Hydration and Blending Techniques

Determining the ideal moisture content for substrates.
Best practices for mixing and achieving uniform consistency.
5

Sterilisation and Pasteurisation

Techniques to prepare substrates for inoculation.
Choosing between sterilisation and pasteurisation based on resources and scale.
6

Bag Filling and Sealing

Techniques for efficient filling and sealing of substrate bags.
Practical demonstrations for small- and large-scale operations.
7

Inoculation and Incubation

How to introduce spawn into prepared substrates.
Creating and maintaining the ideal environment for substrate colonisation.
8

Troubleshooting and Contamination Management

Identifying common issues in substrate preparation and use.
Preventative measures and practical solutions to ensure healthy growth.

Key Takeaways

  • A thorough understanding of substrate design tailored to different mushroom species.
  • The ability to select and prepare sustainable raw materials.
  • Confidence in applying advanced techniques for sterilisation, pasteurisation, and contamination management.
  • Knowledge to scale substrate production for small- or large-scale operations.
  • Take home everything produced during the masterclass for your own use.

Booking information

  • Masterclass Fee: R2 500 per person
  • Group Size: Small groups to ensure personalised attention and hands-on learning.
Enquire about this Masterclass

Ready to Take Your Mycology Skills to the Next Level?

Whether you’re looking to refine your techniques, scale your mushroom cultivation, or explore advanced applications of fungi, our Courses at the AfriFungi Academy are designed to equip you with expert knowledge and hands-on experience.

Our courses cover everything from agar work and spawn production to substrate design and commercial cultivation, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in your mycology journey.

Enquire now and take the next step in your fungi journey!

What people are saying about Afrifungi

“

Working with Matt has been an unbelievably exciting and amazing experience. We have learnt so much and look forward to more guidance from him as he mentors us through our food garden adventure. We are so happy and grateful to have him share his experience and wisdom with us.

NadineMvuhyu Farm
“

Really enjoyed the hands on learning the basics of what is an enoooooormous world.

Hugh Fraser
“

This was an extremely interesting introduction to fungi, learnt that fungi is pretty amazing... Was specially awesome to get practical experience in inoculating tree stump with mycelium to attempt to grow mushrooms...

Dale Lambert
“

Something I've looked into before and have wanted to try for sometime now. Was a really great experience, Matt and Sven are very knowledgable on the subject. The energy was infectious and the folks who joined on the day were a pleasure to meet.

Greg de Gidts
“

Matt & Sven give an excellent overview + introduction to the world of mushrooms, and inoculating a tree stump for years of home-grown mushrooms is a really fun way to spend an afternoon.

Soleil Jones