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Williamsburg,KY

I was able to find a local source for mushroom compost, what would be the best way to use this? I dont have a brewer for tea, so any advise would be appreciated..thanks.Croley

5/30/2008 8:50:54 AM

South East

check the sodium % first,,mushroomcompost can be salt. if anything i would use it in fall prepp and add it to the soil. wouldent brew thea from it.

5/30/2008 9:18:30 AM

Somers, CT

Good question for PAP. He has a mushroom farm close by and has used the compost. I think they get the spent compost after it is used. Otherwise it would be at 180 degrees and full of urea.

5/30/2008 12:17:23 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

We have used quite a bit of mushroom compost and really like it. I think the the product varies quite a bit between mushroom grow ops. They use no additional nitrogen fertilizer or salt in the production of compost at our local farm. The material is stock piled in a "yard" for several years before it is sold to the public, so the material is completely composted and very low in salts. We use the material in the fall and work it in. I have used as much as 5 yards/1000ft2. It does not add a lot of nutriants to the soil, but it will add substantial organic matter. It also really helps to loosen out clay soils. I may get some of it this spring and use for vine burrying.

John

5/30/2008 12:45:04 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Good info, thanks. This mushroom compost is directly from the grower, as each spring the clean out the mushroom bins and make new. So I believe it is spent mushroom compost. It really smells but does not seem hot. I did add some to the garden early spring and tilled in, but I saved some just in case I could use it as a mulch. I read an earlier post regarding this compost and read to grow a bean seed in it and if it dies, wait to use. If the bean grows, it should be ok. To be on the safe side, I think I'll add what I saved in the fall. I do know its old horse bedding. Maybe I can contact the supplier and see what they do with it. Oh well, thanks for everyones help. Croley Bend

5/30/2008 4:48:24 PM

Rhode Island

lot of salt in mushroom compost.
we used it once several years ago but would not use it again.( we did use quite a bit )overkill of course
if we did ever use it again it would be in much smaller quantity--- like a light coating on the surface in the fall
definately would not use it in any manure tea brewing.
pap

5/31/2008 6:14:16 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

You can get it tested for salts as well as nutriant content. If you are concerned, send a sample to the lab

5/31/2008 9:07:43 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks Pap, that is what I really like about the BP community, you can really learn if ya pay attention. I was going to use it in my tea, but now not. I have other additives to use. I'll post my question on the compost tea board, maybe someone can learn also. Again, thanks for the heads up and guess I will wait till fall to use what I set aside.
Croley

5/31/2008 9:08:48 AM