Development of a synthetic compost for mushroom growing based on wheat straw and chicken manure.

A simple formula for the preparation of synthetic compost to complement existing formulae for the preparation of compost based on horse manure of pig manure is presented, and most of the important factors involved in the preparation are discussed. A synthetic compost with 1000 kg of chopped wheat straw, 1000 kg chicken manure, 60 kg gypsum and over 5000 l water was prepared. The mixture produced 3300 kg of compost. At filling, this compost had a C/N ratio of 18 a pH of 8.6, and contained 2% N and 0.4% NH4. Instead of chicken manure other N-rich organic materials can be used. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

Adjustment of the composting process for mushroom cultivation based on initial substrate composition

The feasibility of adjusting individual composting processes to be able to produce the desired mass of compost of the required composition was evaluated. Data sets from experiments in tunnels were constructed and analyzed. Total mass and dry matter contents at the start and at the end of composting contained much statistical error. Error was propagated into the calculated central parameter of the process, the loss of dry matter. Water loss was estimated based on dry matter loss, heat generation and evaporation in a model. Estimated and actual losses from individual processes almost lacked correlation but the averages were rather similar. It is not the model but the error in input data that prevent the accurate prediction of the losses of water and of total matter. Moreover, error masked any correlation between the loss of dry matter and processing parameters. A model cannot be successfully applied to adjust an individual composting process. Compost producers should focus on getting the composition of the substrate constant at the start of processing. Adjusting an individual process is not a very reliable option. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. | The feasibility of adjusting individual composting processes to be able to produce the desired mass of compost of the required composition was evaluated. Data sets from experiments in tunnels were constructed and analyzed. Total mass and dry matter contents at the start and at the end of composting contained much statistical error. Error was propagated into the calculated central parameter of the process, the loss of dry matter. Water loss was estimated based on dry matter loss, heat generation and evaporation in a model. Estimated and actual losses from individual processes almost lacked correlation but the averages were rather similar. It is not the model but the error in input data that prevent the accurate prediction of the losses of water and of total matter. Moreover, error masked any correlation between the loss of dry matter and processing parameters. A model cannot be successfully applied to adjust an individual composting process. Compost producers should focus on getting the composition of the substrate constant at the start of processing. Adjusting an individual process is not a very reliable option

Composting of mushroom substrate in a fermentation tunnel: compost parameters and a mathematical model

Phase II of composting of mushroom substrate was studied in bulk fermentation tunnels. Compost data are given on heat production, settling and mass reduction, porosity and thermal conductivity. Mass and moisture determinations at the end of the process indicated slightly positive gradients in the direction of the air stream. The highest rate of degradation occurred during the first 2 days. A mathematical model of mass and heat transfers was devised. Differential equations were solved with time-dependent analysis using a Continuous Simulation and Modelling Program (CSMP). In the calculations, the substrate was divided into theoretical layers of equal thickness but of different density and porosity. The model predicts the time-course of the process taking into account the moisture content and the filling height of the compost, and the amounts of supplied fresh air and recirculated air. The calculated data include the oxygen demand, the water and dry matter losses, the temperatures in the various layers, and the loss of conductive heat through the walls of the containers in the tunnel. Calculated data corresponded with actual process data. Temp. were correct within 3 degrees C and weight losses within 5%

Bioconversion of Cereal Straw into Mushroom Compost

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