MUSHROOM CULTURE

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1936, Page 9

MUSHROOM CULTURE

(Written for the “Northern Advocate” by Edward Wheeler), PREPARATION OF THE COMPOST (Continued). If no heat is developed in the manure it may be due to the fact that it is too old, too dry, or too wet, or occasionally because the heap has been compressed too much. There are no critical tests which can be applied to determine quality of the compost; one can be ! guided only by the few simple tests which have been outlined, and can feel reasonably certain that the compost will be satisfactory if its final appearance and its fermentation history have been as indicated above. While the compost is still warm it should be promptly placed in position in the beds. The composting process should never be allowed to go too far—a wet, soggy black compost is useless for mushroom production. Although horse manure and straw have proved so satisfactory, difficulties in obtaining supplies have directed attention to the use of other material. Local experience has shown that compost prepared from cow manure and straw, fowl manure and straw, or sheep manure and straw may also produce satisfactory crops. The straw portion of the compost plays an important part in providing food supplies for the mushroom, but it can also do so if it has been prepared satisfactorily by natural fermentation. As much straw as possible should be used, provided that satisfactory fermentation can, be arranged. Growers who work with these materials can readily determine for themselves just how much can be utilised under their own conditions.

As a basis the following quantities may be used, as success has already been obtained with them, it may be noted that these quantities are sufficient for approximately 300 to 375 square feet of bed 8 inches deep, small areas of course, can be provided for in proportion:—One and a-half to two tons fowl manure to one ton of dried straw. Three to four tons of sheep manure to one ton of dry straw. Five tons of cow manure to one ton of dry straw. It is advisable to moisten the manure for at least 24 hours before use. A thick layer of straw is first laid down, then a layer of moistened manure is shovelled on to it. This process is repeated several times, layer by layer, until the heap is prepared for the first composing period. An effort should be made to keep the heaps compacted to approximate the conditions - in the horse manure compost heap. Turnings and treatment we have previously dealt with. The fermentation is not allowed to proceed quite as far as in the case of ordinary compost, and the material apparently gives best results when it is not quite as moist as ordinary compost when placed in the beds. (The mushroom beds will be dealt with in the next instalment).