Post-crop mushroom compost (also called as spent mushroom compost in case of button mushroom and spent substrate in case of shiitake and oyster mushroom) is a material left over after the crop has been terminated. It consists of compost and casing (basically peat moss) with mycelia in them. It is not waste, since it has many valuable nutrients and a very good structure, which makes it a valued product in horticultural industry. (The possible uses of spent mushroom compost are in the focus of many researches in the USA. Information is available on the following link - SMS_Brochure.pdf és Spent_Mushroom_Substrate.pdf). Spent composts are long time used in gardens or
nurseries that are close to mushroom growing facilities. Mineral and nutrition contents of some post-crop mushroom composts are shown on next table.
Mineral and nutrition contents of some post-crop mushroom composts
Minerals and nutrients Dry matter (%)
calcium 2,21 2,02 2,46
potassium 4,84 6,21 5,38
magnesium 0,74 0,66 0,65
natrium 0,19 0,19 0,23
iron 0,17 0,15 0,06
aluminum 0,25 0,25 0,14
ammonia-nitrogen 0,04 0,05 0,06
total nitrogen 2,89 2,39 2,55
salinity (EC) (mS/cm) 14,0 11,4 12,2
water content 67,7 64,4 69,6
pH 6,5 6,5 6,2
The positive effects of spent composts and substrates on the quality and nutritional composition of soils.
The humus content increases.
Spent composts increase the water absorption of light soils.
The soil structure improves, heavy soils loosen up and buffer capacity grows.
The microbe activity increases.
Yield could improve.
Could be used for mulching, which is bots beneficial for the nutrient and water content of the soil.
Since salinity of post-crop composts is quite high, using them in sensitive vegetable (e.g. lettuce and pepper) production is not recommended.
Due to environmental regulations, disposal of these materials raises issues. They can be composted again, which is a long (2 years) process and results a valuable product with a structure similar to peat moss. Mixed with real peat, the material can be used as casing. Another possible use is to burn spent compost in thermal power stations. The disadvantage is that the material still contains around 60% water and has a high ash level.
The structure of spent compost after two years of “composting”
Spent composts and substrates require special handling, as they are sources of pests and parasites and if left close to the production area, could endanger the next cycle. Since only two chemicals are allowed against pests and pathogens in mushroom production, there are hardly any residues left in spent mushroom composts. The most modern method is applied in Dutch-type mushroom houses, where after the last flush, the growing room is closed off and the whole room is pasteurized with steam. This final pasteurization is designed to destroy any pests that may be present in the compost or casing, thus minimizing the likelihood of infesting the next crop.
Test your knowledge!
1. What are the ingredients of button mushroom compost?
2. What are the steps of composting?
3. What is the difference between phase II. and phase III. composts?
4. How can we use spent mushroom composts and substrates?
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