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Abstract: The development of a programmed automatic Phase II composting control system at the Mushroom Test Demonstration Facility (MTDF) was reported on in 1973 (Schroeder, Barr, Schisler and Snetsinger, 1973). After Phase II, the compost-filled trays were removed from the Phase II room and placed on the automatic tray line for spawning. Commercial spawn strains are used at the rate of 1 quart per 5 square feet of tray surface or approximately 2% on a dry weight basis. The moisture content of the compost at spawning is generally about 72% and the nitrogen content, 2.3%. An automatic compost temperature control system was developed and patterned after the automatic Phase II compost control system which proved so successful for control of Phase II composting (Schroeder, Barr, Schisler and Snetsinger, 1973). After 13 days of spawn growth the trays are removed from the spawn growing room and placed on the automatic tray line for sacing. Finely ground soybeans are applied from the spawn hopper at the rate of .25 to .33 lbs per square foot of tray surface area. The colonized compost and nutrient are mixed by the beater, the mixture refilled into the trays pressed, and cased with a 1 3/4" layer of peat-limestone mix (1:1 basis). After casing the trays are placed into a set-back room for approximately two weeks after which time the trays are transferred to the production room for the remainder of the crop cycle. In the set-back room a system which allowed for maximum pin initiation was developed. The control system, as the ones developed for Phase II and spawn run, is based on an average compost temperature signal. Experiences with these two compost control systems will be reported in this paper.
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