Emily Johnson
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is a nutrient-rich mixture of organic materials, including hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure, formulated from recycled agricultural by-products. Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, making it suitable for most garden plants and improving soil fertility and conditioning. It enhances the soil's ability to retain water and air, promotes microbial activity, and provides nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, mushroom compost may need to be matured to neutralise salts and is not suitable for acid-loving plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Wheat straw, hay, horse manure, poultry manure, corn cobs, cocoa shells, and other organic materials |
| pH | 6.5-7.0 |
| Nutrients | Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur |
| Benefits | Enhances soil fertility and conditioning, improves water retention and drainage, promotes plant growth |
| Use | Mix with garden soil prior to planting, use as a mulch and soil conditioner, spread a 5cm deep layer over the soil surface |
| Caution | Avoid using for 'acid-loving' plants, may need to be "'matured" before use to neutralize salts |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming
Once the mushrooms have been harvested, the growth medium is removed and sold as mushroom compost. This compost is often labelled as SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) or SMS (Spent Mushroom Substrate). It is important to note that mushroom compost does not contain any mushrooms. Instead, it is a valuable resource for gardeners, providing a range of benefits for soil and plants.
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release organic plant fertiliser. It is high in organic matter, which enhances all types of soil, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. The organic matter in mushroom compost improves the structure and aeration of the soil, while also increasing its ability to retain water and drain effectively. These improved characteristics create an ideal environment for plant growth.
In addition to its physical benefits, mushroom compost is a rich source of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and help plants grow strongly, producing flowers and fruit. The calcium content in mushroom compost is also beneficial for certain plants, such as tomatoes, as it helps to prevent blossom-end rot. However, the higher pH caused by the calcium content can be problematic for plants that require acidic soil, such as blueberries.
Mushroom compost can be purchased in small or bulk quantities and is a popular choice for gardeners looking to improve their soil quality and enhance the health and growth of their plants.
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It is a nutrient-rich mixture of straw and manure
Mushroom compost is a nutrient-rich mixture of straw and manure, and is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is created when the growth medium of mushrooms is removed after they are harvested. The mushroom substrate contains straw, hay, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower.
The mixture is composted for about 30 days at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill weed seeds, pests, and disease pathogens. This process also pasteurises the mixture, killing any other harmful agents. Mushroom compost has a pH of 6.5-7, making it slightly alkaline, and suitable for a wide range of plants. It is particularly beneficial for brassicas (vegetables in the cabbage family) as the higher pH defends against club root, and tomatoes, as the higher calcium levels prevent blossom-end rot.
The organic matter in mushroom compost improves the structure and aeration of the soil, while also enhancing its ability to retain water and drain effectively. This makes it ideal for improving soil fertility and conditioning. The compost can be mixed with the garden soil or spread as a thick mulch over flower or vegetable beds, allowing it to be gradually drawn into the soil.
Mushroom compost is a great option for gardeners looking to improve their soil quality and enhance plant growth. It is an eco-friendly alternative to inorganic fertilisers, reducing the environmental impact associated with the disposal of agricultural waste.
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It improves soil fertility and conditioning
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release organic plant fertiliser. It is made from a variety of organic materials, including hay, straw, corn cobs, hulls, wheat straw, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition can vary between growers, and additional materials such as gypsum, peat moss, lime, and soybean meal may be added. The compost is produced when mushrooms are cultivated in this mixture for around three to four weeks. After this period, the medium's ability to sustain mushroom growth is exhausted, and it is then sold as mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost is an excellent soil amendment that improves soil fertility and conditioning. It enhances the soil's ability to retain water and air, promoting microbial activity, which is essential for fertile soils. The organic matter in mushroom soil binds soil particles, forming stable aggregates that improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention. This results in better plant growth as the soil can hold water for longer periods.
The compost provides a rich source of organic nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for plant growth and help produce flowers and fruit. The nitrogen content in mushroom compost is generally lower than in regular compost because it has already been utilised by the mushrooms. However, this can be advantageous for certain plants, as excess nitrogen can lead to overgrowth of foliage and stunted roots. Lower nitrogen levels can promote the production of flowers and fruits, as high nitrogen can divert the plant's energy into leaf production.
Additionally, mushroom compost contains more calcium than regular compost due to the addition of chalk. Calcium-rich soil is beneficial for plants like tomatoes, as it helps prevent blossom-end rot. However, it is important to note that calcium increases soil pH, which can be detrimental to plants that require acidic soil, such as blueberries. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using mushroom compost for 'acid-loving' or 'ericaceous' plants, as they may have difficulty accessing the nutrients they need.
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It is slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5-7
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is the growth medium of mushrooms and is removed after the mushrooms are harvested. Mushroom compost is often sold in bags or in bulk, labelled as SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) or SMS (Spent Mushroom Substrate).
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5–7. This pH level is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants and vegetables, including brassicas (vegetables in the cabbage family) and tomatoes. The higher pH of mushroom compost defends against club root, which is beneficial for brassicas, and the higher calcium levels help tomatoes by acting against blossom-end rot.
However, the higher pH of mushroom compost can be problematic for certain plants. It is not suitable for 'acid-loving' or 'ericaceous' plants, such as rhododendron, camellia, heather and citrus. These plants may have difficulty accessing the nutrients they need from the soil due to the higher pH. Similarly, mushroom compost is not recommended for soft fruits like blueberries, raspberries and currants, which prefer neutral to acidic conditions.
The pH level of mushroom compost can be affected by the addition of certain materials. For example, the inclusion of chalk in the compost can increase the pH, making the soil more alkaline. This increase in pH can be beneficial for certain plants, like tomatoes, but may be detrimental to others, such as blueberries, that require more acidic soil conditions.
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It is not suitable for all plants
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is the growth medium of mushrooms that are removed after the mushrooms are harvested. Mushroom compost is often used as a plant fertilizer and soil amendment to benefit plants. It is a nutrient-rich compost substrate formulated from feedstocks and agricultural by-products, such as wheat straw, hay, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure.
While mushroom compost is suitable for most garden plants, it is not suitable for all plants. It has a pH of 6.5–7, which is slightly alkaline. This higher pH can be problematic for plants that require acidic soil, such as blueberries, rhododendrons, camellias, heather, and citrus plants. These "acid-loving" or "ericaceous" plants may have difficulty accessing the nutrients they need from the soil due to the higher pH.
Additionally, mushroom compost may not be suitable for plants that require high levels of nitrogen. Since mushroom compost has already been used as a growing medium, it generally contains less nitrogen than regular compost. While this can be beneficial for soil that is already rich in nitrogen to prevent overgrowth of foliage and stunted roots, it may not provide sufficient nitrogen for plants that require higher levels.
Furthermore, mushroom compost should not be used on its own as a potting compost or for growing seeds or cuttings. It has raised concentrations of soluble salts, which can be harmful to young plants. However, it can be mixed with garden soil in a ratio of one part mushroom compost to three parts soil for growing outdoor plants in containers.
It is important to note that the composition of mushroom compost can vary depending on the grower, as they may use different materials and recipes. Therefore, it is always a good idea to test a small area first to ensure the compost is suitable for your specific plants and soil conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom soil compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is the growth medium of mushrooms that is removed after the mushrooms are harvested. It is often sold in bags or bulk, labelled as SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) or SMS (Spent Mushroom Substrate).
Mushroom compost contains a wide range of organic materials, including wheat straw, hay, corn cobs, cocoa shells, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition varies from grower to grower.
Mushroom compost is a nutrient-rich, organic fertiliser that improves soil fertility and conditioning. It enhances the soil's ability to retain water and air, promotes microbial activity, and provides nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is suitable for most garden plants, supporting the growth of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
