Emily Johnson
Mushroom compost is a type of organic fertiliser made from the byproduct of large-scale mushroom farming. It is often used to boost vegetable gardens and is suitable for most garden plants. The pH of mushroom compost typically ranges from 6.5 to 8, making it slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. This alkalinity can be beneficial for balancing out acidic soils, which are common in certain regions. However, it is important to note that mushroom compost tends to have high levels of salt and can be detrimental to most plants if used in large quantities. It is recommended to avoid using mushroom compost with ericaceous (acid-loving) plants as it can make the soil excessively alkaline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| pH level | 6.5–8 (slightly acidic to mildly alkaline) |
| Composition | Straw, wood shavings, hay, corn cobs, hulls, poultry or horse manure, gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, etc. |
| Benefits | Sustainable, improves soil aeration, drainage, water retention, nutrient retention |
| Use cases | Vegetable gardens, roses, perennials |
| Avoid using with | Acid-loving plants (e.g. azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, heathers), fruit-bearing plants, lawns, flowers, and shrubs |
| Concerns | High salt content, moisture retention issues, lower nutrient value than other products |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost is alkaline due to the addition of lime
Mushroom compost is a type of organic plant fertiliser. It is made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, hulls, and poultry or horse manure. Mushroom compost is alkaline due to the addition of lime during the composting process. The pH of mushroom compost typically ranges from 6.5 to 8, making it slightly acidic to mildly alkaline.
The alkaline nature of mushroom compost is beneficial for plants that prefer a more neutral to slightly alkaline soil environment. It is particularly useful for vegetable gardens, as many vegetables thrive in mildly alkaline conditions. For example, brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale tolerate alkaline soil well and can benefit from the high pH value of mushroom compost.
However, it is important to note that mushroom compost is not suitable for all plants. It should be avoided when growing ericaceous or acid-loving plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. These plants prefer acidic soil conditions, and the addition of mushroom compost can make the soil too alkaline for their optimal growth.
Additionally, mushroom compost tends to have high levels of salt, which can be detrimental to most plants in large quantities and potentially harmful to seedlings and young plants. It is recommended to use mushroom compost in moderation and alternate it with other types of manure or garden compost to avoid an excessive build-up of chalk in the soil.
Overall, mushroom compost can be a beneficial amendment to acid soils due to its alkaline nature, particularly in vegetable gardens. However, gardeners should be cautious and consider the specific needs of their plants before applying mushroom compost.
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It is a useful fertiliser for vegetable gardens
Mushroom compost is a useful fertiliser for vegetable gardens for several reasons. Firstly, it has a pH level that typically ranges from 6.5 to 8, making it slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. This alkalinity can be beneficial for vegetable plants that prefer a more neutral to slightly alkaline soil environment. Many plants in vegetable gardens, such as brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts), thrive in mildly alkaline soil.
Secondly, mushroom compost is a sustainable and organic choice. It is made from agricultural waste like straw, wood shavings, and animal manures, helping to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint. Additionally, the porous structure of mushroom compost allows it to retain moisture, which can be advantageous during dry seasons and heavy rain. Its water-absorbing capacity can help prevent water pooling, which may otherwise lead to issues like root rot.
Furthermore, mushroom compost is a slow-release fertiliser that can provide a good amount of nutrients to vegetable plants. While it has a lower nutrient value compared to other fertilisers, it can still enhance plant growth and increase yield. Certain vegetables, such as tomatoes, zucchinis, pumpkins, carrots, and radishes, particularly thrive in mushroom compost due to its rich nutrient content.
However, it is important to note that mushroom compost may not be suitable for all vegetable gardens. It tends to have high levels of salt, which can be detrimental to seedlings and young plants. Additionally, its moisture retention properties may lead to fungal issues and root rot in some plants. Therefore, it is recommended to test the soil's pH and consider the specific needs of the vegetables before applying mushroom compost.
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It is not suitable for acid-loving plants
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release, organic plant fertiliser made from the waste of mushroom farming. It is created by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The high-temperature composting process kills weed seeds and other harmful agents.
Mushroom compost is alkaline due to the addition of lime during the composting process and the presence of chalk. The pH of mushroom compost ranges from 6.5 to 8, making it slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. This alkalinity can be beneficial for neutralising acidic soils, which are common in certain regions.
However, mushroom compost is not suitable for acid-loving plants. Acid-loving plants, also known as ericaceous plants, include rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, blueberries, and heathers. These plants require acidic growing conditions and are sensitive to the increased alkalinity that mushroom compost provides. The chalk in mushroom compost can raise the pH of the soil, making it less suitable for these types of plants.
Additionally, mushroom compost has a lower nutrient value compared to other fertilisers because many of the nutrients are utilised during the initial mushroom farming process. It also has a high salt content, which can be detrimental to most plants in large quantities and potentially harmful to seedlings and young plants. Therefore, it is important to use mushroom compost in moderation and be mindful of the specific needs of the plants being grown.
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It is made from agricultural waste
Mushroom compost is made from agricultural waste, such as straw, wood shavings, hay, corn cobs, and hulls, and animal manures. The use of agricultural waste in mushroom compost helps to reduce waste and lower carbon footprints. The pH of mushroom compost ranges from 6.5 to 8, making it slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. The materials used in its composition, such as straw and manures, are often alkaline, and the composting process tends to neutralise any acidity. The alkalinity of mushroom compost can be beneficial in balancing out acidic soils, which are common in certain regions.
Agricultural waste is a rich source of cellulose, a natural biocompatible and degradable polymer that is made of glucose subunits. It plays an essential role in the structure and strength of plants and has biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable properties. Optimal cellulose extraction from agricultural waste can be widely used in agriculture, industry, medicine, and energy.
Soil alkalinity is associated with the presence of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in the soil, either as a result of natural weathering of soil particles or brought in by irrigation and/or flood water. Alkaline soils can be problematic for agriculture, as certain elements vital for plant function and growth can only be accessed by the plant within a certain pH range. Outside this range, the nutrients become "locked" by the soil, and the plant does not thrive.
To adjust the pH of alkaline soil, acidifying minerals like pyrite, alum, aluminium sulfate, or gypsum can be added. It is important to test the soil's pH before applying any amendments, as the pH plays a significant role in the health and productivity of the soil.
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It has a lower nutrient value than other composts
Mushroom compost is a type of organic fertiliser made from the waste produced during the large-scale farming of mushrooms. The process of making mushroom compost involves using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, hulls, wood shavings, and animal manures. Additional materials like gypsum, peat moss, lime, and soybean meal may also be added. However, one of the drawbacks of using mushroom compost is its lower nutrient value compared to other products.
The reason for the reduced nutrient content in mushroom compost is that a significant portion of the nutrients in the original materials has already been utilised by the mushrooms during their cultivation. As a result, the compost may not be as effective in adding substantial nutrients to the soil. While mushroom compost still retains some nutrients, it is important to recognise that its primary benefit lies in improving soil structure and balancing pH levels rather than providing a rich source of nutrients.
The nutrient content of mushroom compost can vary depending on the specific recipe and the materials used in its creation. Individual mushroom growers may have slightly different processes, resulting in composts with unique characteristics. This variability in production methods may contribute to the discrepancy in nutrient levels observed across different studies and sources.
Despite its lower nutrient value, mushroom compost offers other advantages for gardening and soil management. It is particularly useful for improving soil aeration, drainage, and water retention. The porous structure of mushroom compost enables it to retain moisture during dry seasons and absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing issues like root rot. Additionally, its ability to neutralise acidic soils makes it beneficial in regions with prevalent acidic soil conditions.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to consider its potential impact on soil alkalinity. While it typically has a mildly alkaline pH, its effect on soil pH can vary depending on the specific composition of the compost and the initial pH of the soil. Therefore, gardeners should closely monitor pH levels and adjust them accordingly, especially when growing acid-loving plants. Soil testing kits are readily available and can help gardeners make informed decisions about soil amendments.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom compost is a type of organic fertiliser made from decomposed plant waste, such as straw, wood shavings, hay, corn cobs, and hulls, as well as animal manure. It is a byproduct of large-scale mushroom farming, used as fertiliser when it no longer has enough nutrients to grow mushrooms.
Mushroom compost typically has a pH range of 6.5 to 8, which is slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. However, due to batch differences in the composting process, the pH level of mushroom compost can vary. It often contains chalk, which increases the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline.
Mushroom compost is suitable for most garden plants, particularly vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, pumpkins, and root vegetables. It is not recommended for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries, as they require more acidic soil conditions.
Mushroom compost improves soil aeration, drainage, and water retention, promoting healthy plant growth. It also helps neutralise acidic soils and provides a good amount of nutrients to support plant growth.
