The Microflora of Experimental Mushroom Composts

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Abstract
Summary The aerobic microflora of mushroom composts prepared by a commercial method was compared with that of rapidly prepared compost (R.P.C.) which does not contain animal manure. The commercial composts took two to three weeks to prepare, but R.P.C. was ready to be inoculated with mushroom spawn after only five days. A supplement rich in carbohydrate (whey powder or molassed brewers’ grains) added at the start of composting encouraged a thermophilic microflora. R.P.C. was found to be dominated by thermophilic bacteria, mainly Bacillus spp., and actinomycetes (‘fire fang’) at the expense of the cellulose-degrading fungi.