Laura Smith
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is made from a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, and other natural organic substances. This mixture is used as a growth medium for mushrooms, and once the mushrooms are harvested, the leftover compost is removed and sold as fertiliser. Mushroom compost has a high organic matter content, which enhances all types of soil, and it can be used to support the growth of various plants, from fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers. However, it should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt content and alkalinity, which can be harmful to certain types of plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial blends | Wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure |
| Other ingredients | Hay, corn cobs and hulls, poultry manure |
| Additional ingredients | Gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, and other organic items |
| pH level | 6.6 |
| Fertilizer capability | Slow-release fertilizer at about a 2-1-1 level |
| Calcium content | Higher than regular compost |
| Salt content | High |
| Alkalinity | Slightly alkaline |
| Use cases | Soil conditioner, mulch, soil amendment |
| Plant suitability | Most garden plants, fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers |
| Not suitable for | Acid-loving or ericaceous plants, soft fruits, germinating seeds, young seedlings, salt-sensitive plants |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushroom compost is made from wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure
- It is pasteurised to kill weed seeds and other harmful agents
- It is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry
- It is high in organic matter, which improves soil structure and water retention
- It is a soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants
Mushroom compost is made from wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure
Mushroom compost is a type of organic plant fertiliser. It is made from wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure. This mixture is pasteurised and used as a growing medium for mushrooms. Once it is no longer suitable for growing mushrooms, it is recycled and sold as mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost is available in large bags, bulk bags, or loose loads from garden centres, landscape supply companies, and mushroom farms. It is also available by the truckload or bushel. Mushroom compost is relatively inexpensive and is a great way to improve soil quality.
The wheat straw in mushroom compost helps to break up dense, clay-like soils. It also improves the water retention of the soil, slowly breaking down over time. The gypsum in mushroom compost adds calcium, which is beneficial for plants like tomatoes. However, the increased calcium also raises the pH level of the soil, which can be problematic for plants that require acidic soil, such as blueberries.
The manure in mushroom compost provides additional nutrients for plant growth. Chicken or poultry manure is high in nitrogen, while horse manure is less dense and lighter, making it easier to spread in the garden. The combination of straw and manure in mushroom compost creates a fertiliser with a slow release of nutrients.
Overall, mushroom compost is an excellent soil amendment, enhancing the structure and fertility of the soil, improving drainage, and increasing the water-holding capacity. It is suitable for most garden plants and can be used on lawns, gardens, and container plants. However, it should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels, which can harm young seedlings and salt-sensitive plants.
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It is pasteurised to kill weed seeds and other harmful agents
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release organic plant fertiliser. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The mixture is then pasteurised to kill weed seeds and other harmful agents.
The pasteurisation process is simple: compost materials are submerged in a large pot of boiling water for one to one and a half hours. This process kills weed seeds and other harmful agents that may be present in the compost. It is important to note that pasteurisation is not sterilisation. Sterilisation is a more complicated process that involves cooking the substrate in a pressure cooker at 15 PSI and over 250 degrees for two and a half hours.
The pasteurisation step is necessary because mushroom compost is made from organic materials that may contain unwanted seeds or pests. After pasteurisation, the mixture is ready to be spread in the garden. It is lighter than manure and has a pH level of 6.6, which falls into the ideal range for most crops (between 6.0 and 7.0).
Mushroom compost is an excellent soil amendment, providing nutrients and improving the structure and water retention of the soil. It is commonly used in gardens and on lawns to improve soil quality. However, due to its high salt content, it should be used with caution as it can kill germinating seeds and harm young seedlings.
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It is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry
Mushroom compost is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry. Mushroom farmers cultivate mushrooms on a blend of composted straw and well-rotted animal manure—usually horse and chicken manure. After two or three crops of mushrooms have been harvested, the compost is sterilised at high temperatures to remove any pests, diseases, or weeds. This process kills weed seeds and any other harmful agents. The sterilised compost is then sold as fertiliser.
The compost is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The specific recipe may differ between growers, with additional materials like gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, and various other organic items sometimes being added to the compost.
Once the mushroom spawn is mixed into the compost, it is pasteurised or sterilised. Pasteurisation can be achieved by submerging compost material in a mesh or cloth bag in a large pot of boiling water for one to one and a half hours. Sterilisation is more complicated and requires cooking the substrate in a pressure cooker at 15PSI and over 250 degrees for two and a half hours.
Mushroom compost is generally sold in bags labelled as SMC or SMS (spent mushroom compost or spent mushroom substrate). It is available at many garden centres or through landscape supply companies and can be purchased by the truckload or bushel. Spent mushroom compost usually contains a higher percentage of chalk (up to 30 per cent) because the 'bed' on which the mushrooms are grown is encased in chalk.
Mushroom compost is a useful soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. It enriches the soil and supplies nutrients for the healthy growth of plants. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, reducing the need for watering. However, it should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity, which can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and damage salt-sensitive plants.
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It is high in organic matter, which improves soil structure and water retention
Mushroom compost is a great source of organic matter, which is essential for improving soil structure and water retention. It is created from the combination of straw and well-rotted animal manure, typically horse or chicken manure. The straw content in mushroom compost helps to break up dense, clay-like soils, making it an excellent soil amendment.
The organic matter in mushroom compost enhances the structure of the soil, improving its ability to retain water. This, in turn, reduces the need for frequent watering. By mixing mushroom compost with garden soil, gardeners can create an ideal environment for various types of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
The high organic matter content in mushroom compost also contributes to its fertilizing capabilities. While it is considered a slow-release fertilizer, mushroom compost provides essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, it supplies magnesium, calcium, and sulphur, which are crucial for plant development.
It is important to note that mushroom compost has higher pH levels due to the presence of chalk. This makes it unsuitable for certain plants, such as blueberries, that require more acidic soil conditions. Gardeners should be cautious when using mushroom compost with acid-loving or ericaceous plants, as they may struggle to access the necessary nutrients from the soil.
To summarize, mushroom compost's high organic matter content significantly improves soil structure and water retention, making it a valuable asset for gardeners looking to enhance the health and growth of their plants.
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It is a soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants
Mushroom compost is a great soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. It is made from a wide range of organic materials, including straw, hay, corn cobs, hulls, poultry or horse manure, and gypsum. Mushroom growers mix these ingredients with mushroom spawn and pasteurise the mixture to kill weed seeds and any other harmful agents.
Mushroom compost is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry. Mushroom farmers cultivate mushrooms on a blend of composted straw and well-rotted animal manure. After two or three crops of mushrooms have been harvested, the compost is sterilised at high temperatures to remove any pests, diseases, or weeds.
The sterilised compost is then sold as fertiliser. It is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk from local mushroom farms, soil and manure suppliers, and some garden centres. Mushroom compost is an excellent soil conditioner that enriches the soil and supplies nutrients for the healthy growth of plants. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
However, mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels, which can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and damage salt-sensitive plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. It is also slightly alkaline and should not be used with ericaceous plants, which thrive in acidic soils.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to mix it with garden soil rather than using it as a sole growth medium. A good starting ratio for container plants is one part mushroom compost to three parts garden soil. For flower beds and vegetable gardens, spread one to three inches of mushroom compost over the surface and till it into the top six inches of soil.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom compost is made from a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, and other natural organic substances.
These materials are formed into a rich organic media that serves as the nutrient source for mushrooms.
After the mushroom crop is harvested, the organic material is removed and processed into mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost typically resembles dark topsoil, has a loose crumbly structure, and has an "earthy" aroma.
Mushroom compost is available from gardening retailers and mushroom farms. It is often sold in large bags, bulk bags, or as loose loads.
