As gardener , we are always seeking the best nutrients for optimal plant growth . When it comes to growing potatoes , one amendment we may consider is mushroom-shaped cloud compost . But do potatoes really benefit from this dour , rich material ? Let ’s take an in - depth look at the pros and cons of using mushroom compost for potatoes .
What is Mushroom Compost?
mushroom-shaped cloud compost , sometimes call “ spent mushroom substrate , ” is a spin-off of commercial mushroom-shaped cloud production . After mushroom are harvested , the remaining growing sensitive is pasteurized to wipe out fungus kingdom and bacteria . This compost is then sell as a soil conditioner .
The factor vary between mushroom cloud farm but typically include
This nutrient - rich blend provides an first-class metier for mushroom But how does it do for our white potato vine crops ?
Benefits of Mushroom Compost for Potatoes
There are some readable advantages to using mushroom compost when grow potato :
constitutive topic – The compost introduces good organic materials into the soil . This better structure and water retention .
Nutrients – Mushroom compost contain nitrogen , daystar , K and micronutrient from the manure and other factor . This feeds soil bug and your crops .
Soil living – The compost inoculates soil with micro-organism like bacteria and fungus . These break down organic topic into plant life - available nutrients .
body of water keeping electrical capacity – The peat and other organic component of mushroom compost deed like a quick study to hold up wet . Potatoes need reproducible filth wet .
- weed suppression * * – As mulch , mushroom compost can block light to prevent grass seminal fluid from germinating . Less weeding intend less hurt to potato root and genus Tuber .
pH level – Mushroom compost tends to have a achromatic to slightly alkaline pH , which potatoes prefer . It counteracts acid grunge .
Potential Drawbacks of Mushroom Compost
However , there are also some likely disadvantages of using mushroom compost for potatoes :
Salt content – Some compost has high Strategic Arms Limitation Talks grade from the ingredients used . This can burn down plant roots if exuberant .
wipe out nutrients – Since it has already grow mushroom , some nutrient like nitrogen get used up . Fertilizer may be want to replenish .
Water demands – The higher constituent matter can result to drying out apace during raging , teetotal periods . More frequent irrigation may be ask .
Weed seeds – Lower quality mushroom compost may contain executable weed seeds that will sprout .
- stamp * * – If incompletely pasteurized , dynamic fungus and mould can remain . This can spread blight - causing organisms .
Cost – Purchased mushroom cloud compost can be more expensive than homemade compost .
Best Practices for Using Mushroom Compost on Potatoes
To maximize benefits and avoid likely issues , follow these backsheesh :
Test mushroom-shaped cloud compost pH and salt stage before manipulation .
Add fertilizer like alfalfa meal to supplement nutrients .
Mix compost 50/50 with garden soil or Cocos nucifera coir for better drain .
Add compost to planting furrows , not now on ejaculate potato .
weewee newly planted potatoes daily until sprout emerge .
Side dress grow plant life with surplus compost as mulch halfway through season .
If kingdom Fungi problems pass off , discontinue manipulation of that compost reference .
The Verdict on Mushroom Compost and Potatoes
When used judiciously , mushroom cloud compost offer up clear benefits to the filth food web and moisture retentiveness . While not a everlasting fertilizer itself , it is an excellent amendment for nourishing potato when paired with extra nutritionary remark . examine newfangled beginning for quality and portmanteau into high-pitched - lineament potting mix for best results . With a bit of run and error , mushroom-shaped cloud compost can be a success for your white potato patch !
