Final Project Proposal

The idea is to grow mushrooms at a specific temperature and humidity to extract the mycelium, from which we will create the leather.

The idea is to collect temperature and humidity data for the suitable environment for cultivation. If there is any change in temperature, a heater will be used, and through Arduino programming, it will send commands to the heater to increase or decrease the temperature. Similarly, for humidity, water will be pumped when needed. 

Preparing the Surface for Mycelium Cultivation:

Required Materials:

• You will need a growing medium (such as sawdust, straw, or other organic materials).

• The surface where you will grow the mycelium can be trays, flat containers, or shelves where the organic material is arranged.

• The surface should be completely clean to ensure there are no contaminants that could affect the growth of the mycelium.

How to Cultivate:

• Adding the Mycelium: After preparing the organic material, mix it with mycelium spores or ready-made mycelium parts. After mixing, distribute it evenly across the surface.

• Cover the Surface Lightly: Cover the surface lightly to maintain humidity in the beginning.

Operating the Heater:

Purpose: To maintain a stable and suitable temperature for mycelium growth (usually between 20-30°C).

Method: You can use a small electric heater or heat mats to distribute the heat evenly across the surface.

Automatic Control: Temperature sensors are used to determine when the heater should be turned on or off. If the temperature drops below the desired level, the heater will turn on to raise it to the appropriate level.

Operating the Pump:

Purpose: To maintain the ideal humidity level for mycelium growth. Mycelium requires a humid environment, but not excessive moisture.

Method: You can use a spray pump, water pump, or misting system to distribute humidity throughout the environment.

Automatic Control: Humidity sensors are used to measure the humidity level in the environment. When the humidity drops below a certain threshold, the pump will release moisture regularly to maintain the required level.

Humidity and Temperature Sensors:

Sensors play a vital role in creating the ideal environment for mycelium growth.

• Humidity Sensors: Measure the humidity level in the environment. They can be adjusted to send a signal to the system to turn the pump on or off when needed.

• Temperature Sensors: Measure the temperature in the environment. If the temperature is unstable or outside the optimal range, the sensors will activate the heater to maintain a suitable environment for mycelium growth.

Connecting to the System: The sensors can be connected to a control system (such as a microcontroller or Arduino) that manages the operation of the heater and pump based on the sensor readings.

Automatic Operation:

The sensors are integrated with an automatic control device, such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi, that monitors the data and controls the devices (like the heater and pump) based on the sensor readings.

This system ensures that the environment remains ideal for mycelium growth, resulting in high-quality mushroom leather production.

3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop