Emma Wilson
Mushroom soil, also known as spent mushroom substrate or mushroom compost, is a substance created from the substrate of commercial mushroom growing. It is made from a variety of materials, including straw, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues. This mixture is then encased in peat moss and ground limestone to support mushroom growth. After the mushrooms are harvested, the remaining substrate becomes mushroom soil, which is high in organic matter and can be used as a soil amendment or conditioner. It is often used in gardens to improve soil fertility, structure, and water retention, but it should be used with caution due to its high salt content and alkalinity, which can be harmful to certain plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Hay, straw, corn cobs, cocoa shells, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues |
| Nutrient source | Organic 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 | 6.6 (6.0 to 7.0 is an ideal range for most plants) |
| Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio | 13:1 |
| Nitrogen content | 1.12% |
| Phosphate content | 0.67% |
| Potash content | 1.24% |
| Salt content | High; weathering over winter can reduce salt content |
| Alkalinity | High |
| Pesticide residue | Low |
| Use cases | Soil conditioner, mulch, addition to commercial potting soil |
| Reuse | Usually used once due to low nutrient availability after mushroom growth |
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What You'll Learn
Composition and uses
Mushroom soil, also known as "spent mushroom substrate" or "mushroom compost", is a substance created from the substrate of commercial mushroom growing. The substrate is composted for about 30 days at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill weed seeds, pests, and disease pathogens. It is then steam-pasteurized at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any remaining pests and pathogens. After this process, the medium is inoculated with mushroom spawn or mycelium and covered with sphagnum moss and ground limestone to support mushroom growth. The substrate typically contains straw from horse stables, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, and other natural organic substances.
The composition of mushroom soil can vary depending on the grower, but it generally includes a mixture of agricultural materials and organic matter. Some common ingredients in mushroom soil are wheat straw bedding containing horse manure, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, poultry manure, brewer's grain, cocoa bean hulls, and gypsum. Growers may also add supplements, such as ground soybeans or seed meal, during the production cycle.
Mushroom soil has a high organic matter content, typically containing an average of 25% organic matter and 58% moisture on a wet volume basis. It has a good ratio of carbon to nitrogen, indicating outstanding nutrient availability and mature and stable organic compost. Mushroom soil also contains an average of 0.67% phosphate (phosphorus) and 1.24% potash (potassium), providing essential nutrients for plant growth.
Mushroom soil is often used as a soil amendment or conditioner, adding organic matter and improving the structure of the soil. It increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. Mushroom soil can be added to a wide range of plants, including lawns, and is excellent for vegetable gardens. It is suitable for most garden plants and supports various types of plant growth, from fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers.
However, there are some considerations when using mushroom soil. It may have high salt content, which can be harmful to salt-sensitive plants. It is recommended to weather the mushroom soil for about three to six months to reduce salt levels before using it in gardens with salt-sensitive plants. Additionally, due to its limestone and chalk content, mushroom soil can increase soil alkalinity, which may be problematic for plants that require acidic soil conditions. It is important to avoid using mushroom soil around ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers, as these plants prefer acidic soils.
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Benefits and drawbacks
Mushroom soil, also known as "spent mushroom substrate" or "mushroom compost", is a substance created from the substrate of commercial mushroom growing. It is made from a variety of things that compost into an appropriate bed for mushrooms, such as straw, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa bean hulls, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues.
Benefits
Mushroom soil is an excellent soil conditioner and mulch. It is a slow-release fertilizer that can be used as a soil amendment to improve the structure of clay soils, reduce surface crusting and compaction, and improve drainage. It increases beneficial soil microbial activity, providing nutrients to plants and reducing the need for fertilizer. Mushroom soil also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which decreases the need for watering. It is suitable for most garden plants and can support various types of plant growth, from vegetables and fruits to herbs and flowers. Mushroom soil is perfect for use as mulch as it does not contain weeds, harmful insects, or much nitrogen. It can be added to commercial potting soil to ensure an even texture.
Drawbacks
Mushroom soil has already been used as a growing medium, which means it generally contains less nitrogen than regular compost. It may not be suitable for plants that require nitrogen-rich soil. It also contains more calcium than regular compost due to the addition of chalk, which increases the soil pH level. This can be problematic for plants that need acidic soil, such as blueberries and azaleas. Mushroom soil may also have high salt content, which can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants. It should be allowed to weather for about six months to remove high salt levels before using it in vegetable or flower gardens that are sensitive to salt. Mushroom soil that has not been irradiated or treated to kill mushroom spores will likely grow mushrooms, so it should be avoided if that is undesirable.
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Salt content
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release organic plant fertiliser. It is made from a variety of agricultural materials, including straw, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, poultry or horse manure, and other natural organic substances. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower.
Mushroom compost contains a high amount of soluble salts, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These salt levels can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and heathers. To avoid this, mushroom compost should be allowed to weather for about three to six months before use, as this will help to reduce the salt content. Rain and snowfall will also leach excess salts from the substrate.
When mushroom compost is tilled or incorporated into the soil, the salt concentration is diluted, and irrigation or natural rainfall will further reduce salt concentrations by leaching salts from the root zone. Research at Penn State University found that good-quality mushroom compost does not contain soluble salt concentrations high enough to impede turfgrass seed germination or cause damage to existing turf.
However, it is important to note that frequent or heavy use of mushroom compost can lead to a build-up of chalk particles in the soil, which can increase soil alkalinity and negatively affect plant growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use mushroom compost in moderation and alternate it with other types of compost or manure to avoid excessive chalk build-up.
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pH levels
The pH level of the soil is a critical factor in determining the availability of certain elements that are vital for plant growth. If the pH level falls outside the acceptable range, the nutrients become "locked" in the soil, leading to the plant's poor health. Typically, a soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is considered neutral. However, slight variations are acceptable, and specific plant types may have unique pH preferences. For example, azaleas, camellias, and gardenias thrive in slightly acidic conditions with a pH of around 6.0. On the other hand, many vegetable plants prefer a slightly alkaline environment with a pH of around 7.5.
Mushroom compost, a popular soil amendment, typically has a pH level ranging from 6.5 to 7.0, which is considered slightly alkaline. This pH level makes it suitable for a wide variety of ornamental plants and vegetables. The higher pH of mushroom compost can protect vegetables like brassicas (cabbage family) from club root and help tomatoes by providing extra calcium to combat blossom end rot. However, it is important to note that mushroom compost is not a suitable replacement for soil when growing mushrooms, as it lacks the necessary nitrogen content.
The pH level of mushroom compost can be measured using a soil pH meter, which can be easily purchased online or at a garden store. By inserting the meter into the compost, gardeners can determine the exact pH level and then refer to a pH scale to assess the health of their soil and compost. If the soil's pH is too acidic, incorporating mushroom compost can help neutralise it. However, if the soil already has a high pH level, adding mushroom compost may make it excessively alkaline, which could be detrimental to certain plant types.
While mushroom compost is beneficial for many plants, it is not suitable for all. Plants that prefer acidic or neutral soils may struggle in the alkaline environment that mushroom compost creates. For example, ericaceous plants like rhododendrons, camellias, heather, and citrus fruits should not be planted with mushroom compost due to their preference for acidic conditions. Similarly, soft fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and currants require neutral to acidic soils and should be avoided when using mushroom compost.
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Preparation and application
Mushroom compost is a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, poultry or horse manure, and other natural organic substances. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower. The substrate is composted for about 30 days at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill weed seeds, pests, and disease pathogens. It is then steam-pasteurized at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate any remaining pests and pathogens. After this process, the medium is inoculated with mushroom spawn or mycelium and covered with sphagnum moss and ground limestone to support mushroom growth.
Once the mushrooms have been harvested, the substrate is considered "spent" and can be used as mushroom compost or mushroom soil. This spent mushroom substrate is high in organic matter, making it an excellent soil amendment or conditioner. It improves the structure of the soil, increases beneficial soil microbial activity, and provides nutrients to plants, reducing the need for fertilizer.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to mix it thoroughly with the existing soil to ensure uniform application and good mixing. The recommended thickness of application is one to three inches (three to nine cubic yards per 1,000 square feet). After applying the mushroom compost, you can proceed with seeding or transplanting the desired vegetation.
Mushroom compost is suitable for most garden plants but should be used with caution. It has a high pH level due to the addition of chalk or limestone, which increases soil alkalinity. While this is beneficial for plants that thrive in alkaline conditions, such as brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), it can be detrimental to acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, and heathers. Additionally, mushroom compost may have high salt levels, which can harm young seedlings and salt-sensitive plants. Therefore, it is essential to allow the mushroom compost to cure and weather for several months before using it in gardens with salt-sensitive plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom soil, also known as "spent mushroom substrate" or "mushroom compost", is a substance created from the substrate of commercial mushroom growing. It is made from a variety of things that compost into an appropriate bed for mushrooms when inoculated with mushroom spores.
Mushroom soil is made from traditional farm refuse, such as cottonseed or cocoa bean hulls, meal, brewer’s grain, corn cobs, straw, and manure. It is then encased with peat moss and ground limestone.
Mushroom soil is used as a soil amendment or conditioner. It can be added to the soil to improve its fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. It can also be used as mulch.
