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Abstract: Tremendous quantities of spent compost are generated as a byproduct of commercial mushroom farms. In areas of concentrated mushroom production, disposal of this spent compost is a difficult problem. Recycling for use as a casing material is one solution that has proven successful. This report is a summary of the techniques that are being used on our farm. We are small commercial mushroom growers and do not have on the farm technical expertise, pilot plant facilities, or a testing laboratory. We have, however, attempted to avail ourselves of all the results of professional research work and whatever information that other growers are willing to share. I might add that some of the results of the research work appear to be in conflict with the results that we have found to be successful in the commercial field. Our initial conclusion, therefore, is that either there are extreme variations in the quality and composition of spent compost or a combination of good or bad handling methods that somehow tend to balance or exaggerate each other – as the case may be. So that you may better understand our position, our farm is located near Kennett Square, in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The average rainfall is 40-44 inches per year, with the majority occurring in the seven month period between October and April. A period of very low and intermittent rainfall usually occurs in July, August or September, and frequently extends for as long as six weeks. The use of spent compost for casing is not a new idea. Much has been written and argued on the subject. Many farms have adopted the practice and later abandoned it as it proved unsuccessful or incompatible with their other practices. To consider spent compost as a casing material, we must ask "as an alternative to what?" What other materials are economically available? What material will produce the highest yield under the growing conditions that you can provide, and most important, what casing material will consistently assure you the greatest margin of profit?
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