Abstract
This study attempted to estimate the degree of management of oak mushroom farms in Chungcheongnam-do and to provide information to establish oak mushroom cultivation-related policies. The oak mushroom management standard diagnostic table consists of three major categories, growing condition, inoculation management, cultivation management and management administration, along with 20 subcategories. Thus, 209 households of oak mushroom farms were surveyed from 2015 to 2018 in Gongju, Cheongyang, Buyeo and Seochun in Chungcheongnam-do. The average score for the 20 subcategories was 71.5 points (representing a significant level), indicating that these areas have excellent management conditions. The analysis of the management performance indicators revealed a high number of indicators with scores of five or above. The total score was higher, and the amount per bed log and the rate of top-grade products in the total output were also higher, indicating a significant correlation. These findings will provide consulting services to oak mushroom growers as they highlight the correlation between the higher scores of indicators in the oak mushroom management standard diagnostic table and the management performance of farmers. We found that the scores of the indicators for management administration, such as management record and analysis and fund plan were relatively lower than those of other indicators. It is assumed that the owners aging has led to negligence in recording the details on incomes, expenditures, and work and lowered the willingness to make substantial profits. Therefore, it is essential to overcome these problems for profitable oak mushroom farming.
