Emily Johnson
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release organic plant fertiliser. It is a by-product of mushroom farming, made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure. The compost is steam-pasteurised to kill weed seeds and any other harmful agents, before being inoculated with mushroom spawn. After the mushrooms are harvested, the leftover compost is sold as fertiliser. Mushroom compost is a useful soil conditioner and mulch, enriching the soil and supplying nutrients for the healthy growth of plants. However, it should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels, which can harm germinating seeds and young seedlings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | A mixture of agricultural materials such as straw from horse stables, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, peat moss, and other natural organic substances. |
| pH | 6.5-7, with an average of 6.6 |
| Nutrients | Nitrogen, phosphate, potash, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium |
| Use | Soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. Not suitable for neutral, alkaline, chalky soils, or for growing seeds or cuttings. |
| Appearance and texture | Dark topsoil with a loose, crumbly structure |
| Aroma | "Earthy" |
| Salt concentrations | High concentrations of soluble salts, but research suggests that good quality mushroom compost does not contain enough to impede seed germination or damage plants. |
| Pests, pathogens, and weed seeds | Steam-treated to eliminate |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming
After the mushrooms are harvested, the leftover compost is removed from the production house and processed into a consistent homogeneous by-product called "mushroom compost." This compost is high in organic matter, with an average of 25% organic matter and 58% moisture on a wet volume basis. It also has a high nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
Mushroom compost is often sold as a soil amendment or fertilizer for lawns, gardens, and container plants. It can be used to amend clay soils, improve soil structure and fertility, and increase the water-holding capacity of the soil. However, it should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity, which can be harmful to some plants.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to mix it thoroughly with the garden soil prior to planting. It can be applied uniformly and evenly at a thickness of one to three inches, and then incorporated into the existing soil. Mushroom compost is particularly beneficial for vegetable gardens, as it can help prevent infections in crops such as brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, and kale). However, it should be avoided when growing ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries, as these plants require acidic soil conditions.
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It is a slow-release, organic plant fertiliser
Mushroom compost is a slow-release, organic plant fertiliser. It is a by-product of mushroom farming, made from the substrate in which mushrooms are grown. This substrate contains organic materials such as hay, straw, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues like corn cobs and cocoa shells. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower, but it is always rich in organic matter.
Once the mushrooms are harvested, the substrate is removed and processed into mushroom compost. This compost is then sold in bags or bulk, often labelled as SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) or SMS (Spent Mushroom Substrate). Mushroom compost has a loose, crumbly structure and a dark colour, resembling topsoil. It also has an "earthy" aroma.
As a fertiliser, mushroom compost is excellent at improving soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. It can be used to amend clay soils in beds and lawns, and it is suitable for most garden plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The compost is high in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth and flower and fruit production.
However, it's important to note that mushroom compost has raised concentrations of soluble salts, which can be harmful to some plants. It is also slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, so it should be avoided for plants that require acidic conditions, such as blueberries. To temper the alkaline levels of mushroom compost, gardeners can use a neutralising agent like aglime.
When using mushroom compost, it is recommended to mix it thoroughly with garden soil prior to planting. It can be spread as a thick mulch over the flower or vegetable bed, and it should be left for a week after application before sowing seeds.
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It is high in nutrients and has an ideal pH range for most crops
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is made from a mixture of agricultural materials, including straw, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, peat moss, and other natural organic substances. These materials are formed into a rich organic medium that serves as the nutrient source for mushrooms. After the mushrooms are harvested, this leftover medium is processed into mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost is high in organic matter, with research from Pennsylvania State University showing that it typically contains around 25% organic matter and 58% moisture. This organic matter includes important plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as magnesium, calcium, and sulphur. These nutrients enhance soil fertility and support plant growth, making mushroom compost an excellent fertilizer for gardens, lawns, and container plants.
The pH level of mushroom compost is typically between 6.5 and 7.0, which falls within the ideal pH range for most crops of 6.0 to 7.0. This slightly acidic pH is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The higher pH of mushroom compost can also help defend certain vegetables, such as brassicas (cabbage family), against club root disease.
However, it is important to note that mushroom compost has raised concentrations of soluble salts, which can be harmful to some plants. It should not be used for growing seeds or cuttings and may need to be tempered with a product like aglime to reduce alkalinity. Additionally, it is not recommended for neutral, alkaline, or chalky soils as it can make them excessively alkaline.
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It can be used as a soil amendment for lawns, gardens and container plants
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is made from a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, poultry litter, and corn cobs. This mixture is used as a growth medium for mushrooms, and once the mushrooms are harvested, it becomes mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost can be used as a soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. When added to soil, it improves fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. Its high organic matter content enhances all types of soil, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. The organic matter improves soil structure and aeration, creating greater moisture retention and drainage capabilities. It also provides the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and sulphur.
When using mushroom compost in the garden, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, it should not be used on its own as a potting compost or for growing seeds or cuttings due to its high soluble salt levels, which can be harmful to young plants. Instead, it should be mixed with garden soil in a ratio of 1:3 for growing outdoor plants in containers. Secondly, it is important to remove any large pieces of chalk that may be present in the compost, as excessive chalk buildup can increase soil alkalinity and hinder plant growth. Thirdly, it should be used in moderation and alternated with other types of compost or manure to avoid excessive alkalinity. Finally, it should be avoided when growing ericaceous plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries, as these plants require acidic soil conditions.
Overall, mushroom compost is an excellent and inexpensive option for amending soil in lawns, gardens, and container plants. When used correctly, it provides numerous benefits that promote healthy plant growth.
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It should be used with caution due to its high salt levels
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is created from the growth medium of mushrooms, which is removed after the mushrooms are harvested. This medium is composed of agricultural materials such as straw, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, and peat moss. The exact composition varies from grower to grower.
Mushroom compost is often used as a soil amendment or fertiliser in gardens, lawns, and container plants. It is high in organic matter, which enhances all types of soils, and provides nutrients that plants need to grow well. However, it should be used with caution due to its high salt levels.
The high concentration of soluble salts in mushroom compost can be detrimental to certain plants. These salts, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and damage salt-sensitive plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. Therefore, it is not suitable for use as a potting compost or for growing seeds or cuttings. To use mushroom compost safely, it should be mixed with garden soil in a ratio of one part mushroom compost to three parts soil.
Additionally, mushroom compost can increase the alkalinity of the soil due to the presence of chalk. While this is beneficial for some plants, it can be detrimental to others. Acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, and heathers, require acidic soil conditions and are not suitable for growth in mushroom compost.
To summarise, mushroom compost is a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients and enhances soil structure. However, its high salt levels and alkalinity require caution during use. It should be mixed with garden soil and avoided for salt-sensitive and acid-loving plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cocoa shells, and other natural organic substances. This mixture serves as the growth medium and nutrient source for mushrooms. After the mushrooms are harvested, this organic material is removed and processed into mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost is an excellent soil conditioner and mulch. It improves soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. It is also high in organic matter and nutrients, enhancing all types of soil. Additionally, it is inexpensive and readily available from local mushroom farms or suppliers.
Mushroom compost should be mixed with garden soil prior to planting. It can be used as a mulch and soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. However, caution should be exercised due to its high salt levels and alkalinity. Avoid using it for seeds, cuttings, or ericaceous plants that require acidic conditions. Always buy spent mushroom compost to ensure it is free of pests and pathogens.
