Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release, organic plant fertiliser. The compost is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure.
Since the mushroom growing process varies slightly between individual growers, mushroom compost recipes may differ here and there. For instance, additional materials like gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, and various other organic items may be added to the compost as well.
Once the mushroom spawn are mixed into the compost, it is steam pasteurised to kill weed seeds and any other harmful agents. A mixed layer of sphagnum moss and lime is top dressed onto the top of the pile for the growth of mushrooms.
Mushroom composting takes about three to four weeks to process, during which it is monitored closely by mushroom growers to maintain adequate temperatures. After the process is complete, the leftover compost is disposed of and sold as fertiliser.
There are several uses for mushroom compost. It can be used as soil amendment for lawns, gardens, and container plants. Mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity.
These salt levels can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons.
To temper the alkaline levels of mushroom compost, consider using aglime.
The beneficial uses of mushroom compost, however, far outweigh the downside of high salt levels.
- It is an excellent soil conditioner.
- This type of compost is reasonably inexpensive.
- It enriches the soil and supplies nutrients for the healthy growth of plants.
- Mushroom compost also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which decreases the need for watering.
- Mushroom compost is suitable for most garden plants.
- It supports various types of plant growth, from fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers.
- To get the greatest results when organic gardening with mushroom compost, thoroughly mix it in with the garden soil prior to planting.
FAQs
Mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity. These salt levels can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons. To temper the alkaline levels of mushroom compost, consider using aglime.
What is the hazard in compost? ›
Composting produces gases -- carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide. These are health hazards when they displace air inside composting vessels or enclosed storage bins.
Does mushroom compost have chemicals? ›
Other toxic chemicals occasionally used are benmyl, thiabendazole, and chlorothalonill. Hence SMS does not meet the standards for use in organic production. The SMS is often stored in large piles that become anaerobic. This allows pathogens to grow in the material.
Is mushroom compost a good soil amendment? ›
Spent mushroom substrate (sometimes called mushroom soil, recycled mushroom compost, or mushroom compost) can improve the structure of clay soils, reduce surface crusting and compaction, promote drainage, increase microbial activity, and provide nutrients to turfgrasses.
What are the fumes from mushroom compost? ›
Never handle the spent mushroom compost in an enclosed space, such as sheds, tanks or trailers, where the toxic gas can build up. Make sure that there is good thorough ventilation when moving compost.
What are the safety precautions for composting? ›
Compost is safe to handle as long as the usual garden hygiene rules are followed:
- Keep cuts covered.
- Wash hands with soap and running water after handling compost (especially before eating)
- Keep anti-tetanus protection up to date.
Composting Don'ts
Don't add fish, meat, dairy products, bones, baked goods, fatty foods or grease to your compost pile. These food scraps do not easily decompose and may attract animals. Don't use diseased plants or plants that are toxic to other plants.
Why do you have to be careful when using mushroom compost? ›
Mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity. These salt levels can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons.
Is mushroom compost OK? ›
Mushroom compost is excellent on the vegetable garden, as vegetable crops usually grow best when th soil is not acid and where the soil is alkaline brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts and kale) are less likely to be infected by clubroot disease.
Which is better mushroom compost or organic compost? ›
Mushroom compost has already been used as a growing medium which means it generally contains less nitrogen than regular compost. It may be a good choice for soil already rich in nitrogen since excess nitrogen can lead to overgrowth of foliage and stunted roots.
Mushroom compost is also high in salt, which can be problematic for some plants such as blueberries, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. These soluble salts along with other nutrients in fresh mushroom compost are too concentrated to germinate seeds or plant young seedlings.
Can I put mushroom compost on top of soil? ›
Mushroom compost works as an effective mulch when several inches are added on top of the soil, acting as a layer of insulation.
Which is better leaf or mushroom compost? ›
Mushroom soil typically has more nutrient content (particularly nitrogen) than leaf compost. When preparing new beds, I think it's best to go moderate with amendments. A maximum of about one-third of either of these to two-thirds of your soil is good.
Is mushroom compost toxic to dogs? ›
Compost, and also spoiled garbage, is very dangerous to dogs due to fungi that grow in the decomposing plant or food material. These fungi produce tremorgenic mycotoxins. Tremorgenic = tremors/shaking and mycotoxin = poisonous fungus (mold). Even ingestion of a small amount of compost may cause poisoning.
Will mushroom compost burn plants? ›
In other words, using too much mushroom compost in your garden can possibly “burn” plants. The safest way to use mushroom compost this time of year is to use it sparingly. To be perfectly safe, mix mushroom compost with garden soil before using it on young plants.
How long does mushroom compost last? ›
You may use spent compost weathered for 6 months or longer in all gardens and with most plants. Obtaining mushroom compost in the fall and winter, allowing it to weather will make it ready to use in a garden the following spring. Spring and summer are the best time to use weathered material as a mulch.
What is hazardous compost? ›
Hazardous materials composting involves the addition of hazardous wastes to a solid compost matrix that provides optimal environmental conditions for microbial metabolism. Microbial degradation of organics within the compost matrix proceeds at a rate sufficient to produce significant energy in the form of heat.
What are the contaminants in compost? ›
They can include plastic, textiles, glass and other objects that don't decompose entirely during the compost manufacturing process. It is difficult to sift these out of compost after they arrive at the facility.
How do I know if my compost is safe to use? ›
Signs that your compost is ready to use
The original organic materials that you put in are no longer recognizable for what they were; If you are using a hot composting method, the pile will be no longer generating a significant amount of heat. The compost has a dark crumbly appearance and has an earthy odor.
What is the disease caused by compost? ›
People catch legionnaires' disease by breathing in water droplets that contain 'Legionella' bacteria, or after inhaling dust from soil. The most common source of the bacteria is potting mix or compost. Other sources are piped hot water, air conditioners and spa pools.
