Mushroom Farm Audit and Retrofit Diagnostics
30 days of instrumented data on climate, compost, energy and yield. Engineering-grade diagnosis. Concrete retrofit plan with priced BOQ.
What 30 Days of Instrumented Data Looks Like
| Parameter | Sensor Type | Optimal Range | Audit Flag Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air temperature | RTD PT100 4-wire or NTC 10K | Spawn run 22 to 25 deg C, Pinning 16 to 18 deg C, Cropping 17 to 19 deg C | Variance over 0.5 deg C from setpoint |
| Compost temperature | K-type thermocouple probe | Spawn run core 24 to 26 deg C | Gradient over 2 deg C between rooms |
| Relative humidity | Capacitive RH sensor | Spawn run 90 to 95 percent, Cropping 85 to 90 percent | Drift over 5 percentage points or rapid swing |
| Carbon dioxide | NDIR sensor | Cropping under 1,000 ppm | Over 1,500 ppm during cropping |
| Oxygen | Electrochemical or zirconia | Cropping 19.5 to 20.5 percent | Below 19 percent |
| Air velocity at bed | Hot-wire anemometer | 0.1 to 0.3 m per second at bed surface | Dead zones detected |
| Light at bed | Lux meter | 200 to 500 lux diffused for cropping | Mainly relevant for shiitake and oyster, not button |
Compost Diagnostics
Moisture content
Method: oven-dry at 105 deg C for 24 hours. Target: 65 to 70 percent.
pH
Method: 1 to 5 water suspension. Target: 7.0 to 7.8.
Residual NH3-N
Target: below 0.05 percent post-Phase 2.
Total nitrogen
Method: dry basis. Target: 1.8 to 2.2 percent.
C to N ratio
Target: 17 to 1 post-Phase 2.
Bulk density
Target: 0.4 to 0.5 g per cubic cm.
Energy Diagnostics
- HVAC kWh per day per room (clamp meter on each unit)
- Compressor cycling pattern analysis. Short cycles indicate refrigerant charge or sizing issues.
- Heat load versus installed cooling capacity verification
Yield Diagnostics
- Kilograms per square metre per cycle, broken out by flush
- Biological efficiency calculation. Target 80 to 90 percent for button mushroom.
- Wastage rate (deformed, pinhead death, cracking)
- Cycle length deviation from 55 to 60 day standard
Audit Process Timeline
- Day -7Pre-audit data collection and SOW signing.1
- Day 1Site visit and sensor deployment.2
- Day 2 to 30Continuous data logging at 1-minute interval.3
- Day 15Mid-point compost lab sample dispatch.4
- Day 25Energy audit deep-dive on site.5
- Day 30Sensor retrieval and final lab sample collection.6
- Day 35Draft report with retrofit BOQ.7
- Day 45Final report and retrofit proposal review meeting.8
Pricing Tiers
Small Farm
Up to 4 grow rooms
- Audit fee: Rs 50,000
- Report fee: Rs 15,000
Medium Farm
5 to 10 grow rooms
- Audit fee: Rs 1,00,000
- Retrofit BOQ included if EPC contract subsequently awarded
Large Facility
Over 10 rooms or compost facility
- Starting fee: Rs 2,00,000
- Optional: Ongoing diagnostics retainer at Rs 15,000 per month
GST 18 percent extra. Travel and accommodation at actuals. Pricing valid 5 days from quotation date.
Reference Standard
Audit framework adapted from USDA AMS Mushroom Good Agricultural Practices (mGAP) and the American Mushroom Institute and Penn State University Industry-Wide Food Safety Standards. Customised for Indian climate, substrate availability, and grow room infrastructure.
