FAQ on the use of pasteurized mushroom compost
The following is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions regarding our mushroom compost products. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Q: Can I use mushroom compost in my high tunnel/raised beds?
A: Yes, but depending on your base soil (clay, sand) and your water-table level, you may experience a build-up in soluble salts. Generally, mushroom compost can be used every other year in a high tunnel operation.
Q: Can I plant directly into mushroom compost?
A: It depends on what you are planting. Direct seeding of wildflowers, turfgrass, radish, carrots, herbs, lettuce are known to do quite well. Transplanting of hops, tomatoes, peppers, kohlrabi, cucumber plants have also been possible. TRY IT AND LET US KNOW.
Q: When should I apply mushroom compost?
A: Before planting season or as a fall amendment after harvest.
Q: Are there weed seeds?
A: After the final mushroom harvest of portabella or button mushrooms, steam is injected into the compost beds. This will kill the mushroom mycelium, bug larvae and residual weed seeds.
Q: How much compost do I need?
A: Please use our online Calculator to determine your needs.
Q: Can I use too much compost?
A: The short answer is ‘yes’. More importantly is, what are you trying to accomplish? If adding organic matter is the goal, then the current soil analysis is crucial. Organic matter in farm applications should be between 5-10%.
Q: Should I be concerned about the soluble salt value?
A: Few people understand what a soluble salt value is. This value is a culmination of all positive ions in the extraction of compost. These positive ions include, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, to name a few. Sodium is the most detrimental at high levels, as it will desiccate the plant roots. The others are important micro-nutrients for plant growth. Therefore, getting a full compost analysis is crucial. The more important factor is the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) which is calculated as:
Where the concentrations of ions are in percent and anything less than SAR 15 is ideal. Please visit our online Library for our most recent chemical analysis and SAR value.
Q: Can I use pasteurized mushroom compost in my organic farming operation?
A: Your organic certifying agency should be able to answer this. You will need to supply them with the most recent chemical analysis, the Phase IV pasteurization process and the latest ORMI/NOP regulations for mushroom compost. This information can be downloaded from our online Library.
Q: Do you have a chemical analysis?
A: We test our compost quarterly using a US Composting Council certified laboratory. You may download the analysis by visiting our online Library.
Q: How big a pile of compost will I be getting?
A : A cubic yard is 3’ wide by 3’ long by 3’ high. Our triaxle dump truck holds 25 cubic yards. This becomes a pile of compost slightly smaller than 8’ wide by 21’ long by 4’ high. Our walking floor tractor trailer holds 55-60 cubic yards. This becomes a pile of compost approximately 8’ wide by 46’ long by 4’ high.
Q : What does Full Circle use to create their mushroom compost?
A : We are proud to say that we recycle many different organic compounds to bring our compost to the right consistency for our use. We use wheat straw, straw bedded horse manure, hay (most commonly orchard and timothy), poultry manure, cotton seed hulls, cotton seed meal, cocoa shells, gypsum and sphagnum peat moss. Individually, most of these items do not benefit your growing environment, but when mixed together using our precise formula; we are able to obtain an excellent mixture that delivers results.
Q : What are some common uses for mushroom compost?
A: Mushroom compost is used for both personal and commercial use. There are a number of ways to use it. Some examples include:
- Field Crop Farms
- Vegetable Farms
- Landscape Projects as Mulch
- Suppressing Artillery Fungus
- Golf Course and Turf Grass Applications
- Mine Reclamation
- Wet Land Restoration
- Home Gardening
The opportunities are endless. When you think about it, there are probably a couple of ways you could use mushroom compost. You can find different ways to use it around your home, farm, or workplace.
Q : Why is the product occasionally clumpy?
A : Our Pasteurized Mushroom Compost comes straight from the Mushroom House and is not processed further. The clumps will quickly break apart when applied or mixed with other components (soil, wood mulch etc.).
Q : Why do you ask about Storage Location?
A : Knowing storage location assists our drivers so they may avoid damage to property or trucks.
Q: Do you allow self-pick-up?
A: Yes – Minimum quantity is 25cy. Call 410-658-0520 for appointment and directions (Monday through Friday, no major Holidays) and payment.
Q: What is the cost per yard {of compost}?
A: We sell compost at $3.50/cy plus transportation. Please request a quote for a total cost.
Q: How far do you ship the compost [or Perlite®]?
A: We have shipped as far away as (Georgia), (Indiana), New England and all states in between. Please feel free to request a quote to determine shipping costs.
