Laura Smith
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming, made from a mixture of agricultural materials such as straw, hay, and other natural organic substances. It is a useful soil conditioner and mulch that can be purchased cheaply in bulk. Mushroom compost has a pH level of around 6.6, which is considered neutral. This makes it ideal for use in vegetable gardens, as vegetables thrive in non-acidic soil. However, mushroom compost should be avoided when growing ericaceous plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons, as these plants prefer acidic conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| pH level | 6.6 (6.0 to 7.0 is an ideal range for most plants) |
| Fertilizer capability | Low but exists |
| Heavy metals | Low |
| Soluble salts | High |
| Use | Soil conditioner, mulch, and manure |
| Composition | Alkaline |
| Nutrients | Nitrogen (1.12%), phosphate (0.67%), potash (1.24%), calcium (2.29%), magnesium (0.35%), and iron (1.07%) |
| Appearance | Dark topsoil with a loose, crumbly structure and an "earthy" aroma |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost has an average pH of 6.6
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is created from a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw from horse stables, hay, poultry litter, and other natural organic substances. After the mushrooms are harvested, this organic material is removed and processed into mushroom compost. This compost has an average pH of 6.6, which is considered neutral.
The pH level of mushroom compost is important to consider when using it in gardening or agriculture. While it has a neutral pH, it is slightly on the alkaline side. This means it is best suited for plants that prefer non-acidic or alkaline conditions. For example, mushroom compost is ideal for vegetable gardens as vegetables thrive in non-acidic soil. It can also help brassicas like broccoli, kale, and cabbage avoid infection by clubroot disease.
However, mushroom compost should be avoided when growing ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and blueberries, as these plants prefer acidic conditions. Frequent or heavy use of mushroom compost can lead to a build-up of chalk in the soil, increasing its alkalinity and potentially harming plant growth. Therefore, it is important to use mushroom compost in moderation and remove any large pieces of chalk.
Mushroom compost is a useful soil amendment due to its water retention properties and ability to stop soil compaction. It can be purchased cheaply in bulk and used as a soil conditioner or mulch. However, it may contain peat, which is no longer recommended for horticultural use due to its impact on peatland ecosystems. Overall, mushroom compost is a valuable tool for gardeners and farmers, especially when used with consideration for its pH level and the specific needs of different plants.
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It is alkaline and contains chalk
Mushroom compost is a great soil amendment that retains water well and stops soil compaction. It has a pH level of around 6.6, which is considered neutral. However, it is slightly alkaline in nature due to the addition of lime during the composting process. This alkalinity is further influenced by the presence of chalk, which is a common component of mushroom compost.
The alkaline nature of mushroom compost makes it ideal for use in vegetable gardens and with certain ornamental plants. Vegetables, in particular, thrive in non-acidic soil, and the liming effect of the chalk can improve soil fertility. Brassicas, such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, benefit from alkaline mushroom compost as it helps prevent clubroot disease.
However, it is important to note that mushroom compost should not be used with all types of plants. Ericaceous plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries, prefer acidic conditions and are chalk-hating. Using mushroom compost with these plants can negatively impact their growth. Similarly, it is not suitable for most fruit produce, as they generally prefer neutral to acidic conditions.
The presence of chalk in mushroom compost can have both benefits and drawbacks. While chalk can help neutralise acidic soil and increase soil bacteria activity, an oversupply can lead to problems. Excessive chalk can cause lime-induced chlorosis, resulting in the yellowing of foliage and stunted plant growth. Therefore, when using mushroom compost, it is recommended to remove any large pieces of chalk and use the compost in moderation, alternating with other slightly alkaline or neutral soil amendments.
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It is unsuitable for ericaceous plants
Mushroom compost is a great soil amendment that retains water well and stops soil compaction. It has a pH of around 6.6, which is considered neutral. However, it often contains chalk, which increases its pH, making it more alkaline. This is why mushroom compost is unsuitable for ericaceous plants, also known as "acid lovers" or "lime haters".
Ericaceous plants are plants that do not grow well in alkaline soils. They prefer acidic growing conditions and are lime-hating, meaning they do not like growing in soils that contain lime. When grown in alkaline soils, ericaceous plants suffer from lime-induced chlorosis, which turns their leaves yellow. They become stunted, fail to flower, and eventually die. This is because the high pH of alkaline soils causes the nutrients they need, such as iron, to become insoluble, making it difficult for these plants to absorb them.
Mushroom compost, due to its alkaline nature, can raise the pH level of the soil, making it less acidic. This change in soil chemistry can be harmful to ericaceous plants, preventing them from absorbing nutrients properly. For example, rhododendrons, a type of ericaceous plant, thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. However, mushroom compost typically has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, which is too high for rhododendrons to flourish.
Other examples of ericaceous plants include azaleas, camellias, and heathers. These plants require acidic soil conditions to thrive and will not do well with the increased alkalinity that mushroom compost can bring. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative soil amendments for these plants, such as peat moss, pine needles, or specialised ericaceous compost, which is designed for acid-loving plants.
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It can be used as a mulch product
Mushroom compost can be used as a mulch product. It is a by-product of mushroom farming, made from a mixture of agricultural materials such as straw, hay, and other natural organic substances. This mixture serves as a nutrient source for mushrooms. After the mushrooms are harvested, the remaining organic material is processed into mushroom compost.
Mushroom compost has an average pH of 6.6, which falls within the neutral range of 6.5 to 7.0. This pH level is well-suited for most plants, which typically thrive in a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline environment. The neutral pH of mushroom compost makes it a versatile choice for mulching, as it will not significantly alter the soil's natural pH.
When used as mulch, mushroom compost offers several benefits. Firstly, it is an effective weed suppressant. Fresh mushroom compost makes it difficult for weed seeds to take root, reducing the need for frequent weeding. Additionally, mushroom compost improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. Its ability to retain water helps to prevent soil compaction and promotes better soil structure.
However, it is important to note that mushroom compost should not be used as a replacement for standard compost. While it enhances the soil's fertility and structure, it can hold too much water, potentially leading to waterlogging and causing problems for certain plants. Furthermore, mushroom compost is not recommended for all types of plants. Ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, prefer acidic growing conditions and should be avoided when using mushroom compost, as it is alkaline in nature.
To use mushroom compost as mulch, it is typically applied uniformly and evenly at a thickness of one to three inches. It can then be incorporated into the existing soil, providing a readily available source of organic matter. By following these guidelines, mushroom compost can be effectively utilized as a mulch product, improving soil health and supporting the growth of various plant species.
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It is a slow-release fertiliser
Mushroom compost is a great, cost-effective soil amendment that can be bought in bulk. It is a slow-release fertiliser, with a ratio of about 2-1-1. While its fertiliser capability is low, it is still effective. Mushroom compost has a pH level of around 6.6, which is in the neutral range. This makes it ideal for use in vegetable patches and ornamental gardens, as vegetables thrive in non-acidic soil.
Mushroom compost is created as a by-product of mushroom farming. The mushrooms are grown in a mixture of agricultural materials, such as straw, hay, and natural organic substances. After the mushrooms are harvested, this mixture is removed and processed into mushroom compost. It is then pasteurised to kill any remaining bacteria or weed seeds.
The pasteurised compost can be inoculated with mushroom spores and used to grow more mushrooms. However, it is most commonly used in large-scale agriculture or commercially to grow mushrooms for supermarkets. The pasteurisation process sterilises the compost, creating a clean material that can be used to grow mushrooms for human consumption.
Mushroom compost is an excellent soil conditioner and mulch. It improves soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. It is also useful for amending clay-like soils over time. However, it should be blended into the soil rather than used as a replacement for standard compost. This is because it can hold too much water, potentially leading to waterlogged soil that is problematic for plants.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to be mindful of the plant types and their specific needs. Mushroom compost is alkaline in nature and contains chalk, which can increase soil alkalinity. While this is beneficial for some plants, it can be detrimental to those that prefer acidic conditions, such as ericaceous plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries.
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Frequently asked questions
The pH of mushroom compost is around 6.6, which is in the neutral range.
Mushroom compost is used as a soil conditioner and mulch. It can be used in vegetable and ornamental gardens as it helps retain water and stops soil compaction.
Mushroom compost is not suitable for use with most fruit produce and ericaceous plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries as they require acidic conditions to grow.
If you use mushroom compost for plants that require acidic conditions, it can lead to lime-induced chlorosis, which is a yellowing of the foliage, and general stunting of the plant's growth.
Mushroom compost is made from straw from horse stables, hay, poultry litter, ground corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, cocoa shells, peat moss, and other natural organic substances.
