Spent Mushroom Substrate as Fertilizer

Spent Mushroom Substrate as Fertilizer

Summary

soil11-12-15

soil 3-25-16

Soil1redhawk7-19-16

Biological7-19-16

The objectives for 2016 were to plant typical vegetable crops using spent mushroom substrate (sms) only in one row, spent mushroom substrate with conventional soil amendments and techniques in the second, and with conventional amendments and techniques only in the third and track the progress and outcomes from each row and crop variety. In late March soil samples were taken to see if the soil chemistry had changed since the first application in the fall. The first seeds were planted in each row. Our hope was that the rows using spent mushroom substrate would result in a healthier soil, higher quality crops,and greater crop yield with less need for water, inputs, and labor.

At Red Hawk Farms planting began May 2nd 2016 with greens, peas and radishes. May 9th beans and beets were planted. May 14th herbs, tomatoes and peppers were planted. May 21st radishes, peas, beans, beets and greens had all sprouted in each bed.

Although Cook, Grow, Sew’s plots at community crops were unable to be attended to and tested properly a cover crop mix was planted and then cut and tilled in late summer, potatoes were then planted but unfortunately ended up being flooded out. Garlic was then planted in early winter and we will see how it does come this season.

On 7-21-16 Biological samples were taken at all sites.

Another round of sms was applied to all beds at both farms so we can continue further testing this year.

Seeds planted in the sms beds seemed to sprout slightly faster than the conventional bed. Radish sprouts planted in the sms were smaller and showed discoloration (yellowing and red edges) while all other sprouts appeared to be normal. Overall bed 2 looked the best with the fewest weeds and even germination. Beans and dill planted in the bed with both sms and conventional practices seemed to do the best overall and were bigger, lush and deep green in color. The biggest noticeable difference in the beds was the amount of unwanted weeds. Beds with sms had far fewer unwanted plants growing in them compared to the conventional bed. Grasshoppers were a major factor in the beds’ success last year with a majority of the plants dying to them, while the bed with only sms seemed to be less affected by them.

SMS may be better suited to be actively composted or vermicomposted before using it in the field. If it is used in crop production after simply being weathered it should be used in the right quantity, paired with the right crops, and incorporated with other beneficial soil additives. It does add biological matter to the soil, acts as a water retainer, helps with weed management,  and greatly increases the plow ability of the soil after it has been incorporated. It may also preform better with crop production the longer it is in the ground and is further broken down by the increased microbial and fungal activity before crops are planted. It may also have a use in remediation and rehabilitation of damaged lands.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objectives for 2016 were to plant typical vegetable crops using spent mushroom substrate only in one row, spent mushroom substrate with conventional soil amendments and techniques in the second, and with conventional amendments and techniques only in the third and track the progress and outcomes from each row and crop variety. In late March soil samples were taken to see if the soil chemistry had changed since the first application in the fall. The first seeds were planted in each row. Our hope was that the rows using spent mushroom substrate would result in a healthier soil , higher quality crops,and greater crop yield with less need for water, inputs, and labor.

Accomplishments/Milestones

At Red Hawk Farms planting began May 2nd 2016 with greens, peas and radishes. May 9th beans and beets were planted. May 14th herbs, tomatoes and peppers were planted. May 21st radishes, peas, beans, beets and greens had all sprouted in each bed.

Although Cook, Grow, Sew’s plots at community crops were unable to be attended to and tested properly a cover crop mix was planted and then cut and tilled in late summer, potatoes were then planted but unfortunately ended up being flooded out. Garlic was then planted in early winter and we will see how it does come this season.

On 7-21-16 Biological samples were taken at all sites.

Another round of sms was applied to all beds at both farms so we can continue further testing this year.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Seeds planted in the sms beds seemed to sprout slightly faster than the conventional bed. Radish sprouts planted in the sms were smaller and showed discoloration (yellowing and red edges) while all other sprouts appeared to be normal. Overall bed 2 looked the best with the fewest weeds and even germination. Beans and dill planted in the bed with both sms and conventional practices seemed to do the best overall and were bigger, lush and deep green in color. The biggest noticeable difference in the beds was the amount of unwanted weeds. Beds with sms had far fewer unwanted plants growing in them compared to the conventional bed. Grasshoppers were a major factor in the beds’ success last year with a majority of the plants dying to them while the bed with only sms seemed to be less affected by them.

SMS may be better suited to be actively composted or vermicomposted before using it in the field. If it used in crop production after simply being weathered it should be used in the right quantity, paired with the right crops, and incorporated with other beneficial soil additives. It does add biological matter to the soil, acts as a water retainer, helps with weed management,  and greatly increases the plow ability of the soil after it has been incorporated. It may also preform better with crop production the longer it is in the ground and is further broken down by the increased microbial and fungal activity before crops are planted. It may also have a use in remediation and rehabilitation of damaged lands.

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