The objective of this research was to find a solution for how to define and determine the decay levels of Pecan logs. Ultimately this information could be used to determine the preferred decay level of Pecan logs for Auricularia auricular-judae (wood ear mushroom) growth. Previous research had found some relationship between densities and C/N ratio of hardwood boreal trees in Canada. In this research, the physical (density, moisture content, penetration depth, etc.) and chemical properties (carbon, nitrogen and C/N ratio) of logs were measured from pecan logs at different levels of decomposition. First, the traditional visual method was used to define the decay level and they were compared to the log physical and chemical properties to find relationships... |