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Re: mushroom compost

I hear from people all the time about fungus spores triggering allergies and other breathing problems associated with the use of mushroom compost. It normally is "spent," having already produced a large crop, and is generally not very high in nutrients....however it does add humus and can often be purchased cheaply. I've stopped using it myself.
 
Tom Ogren
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: [GWL] mushroom compost

Mushroom compost isn't really compost.  It's the spent substrate upon which mushrooms grow.  Poorly decomposed substrate is usually high in salts, and the salinity can harm plants.
 
As far as the product causing lung damage, anything that is pulverized to the point where fine particle hang in the air will affect lung function, including peat moss and dried manures.  The questions one should ask are:  did this person work with the product for a long period of time, perhaps grinding it and bagging it for commercial sale?  Long term exposure is the key--was there any?  Also, mushroom substrate can be many things; I'd do more digging as to what was in the product.
 
Steve Diver of AFTRA is on this listserv, lives in Arkansas where mushroom compost is readily available and knows much more about the product than I do.  I hope he comments.
Doreen Howard
 
 

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