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Abstract: Since the Danish Mushroom Research Station was first established in 1952 much attention has been paid to composting in general. Extensive experiments with horse and pig manure compost, including supplementing tests, varying lengths of composting- and peak-heat time, have been carried out. A special composting and peak-heat technique, which has been named the 16-Day "Normal+ 75%" Inactive Composting Process, has in general produced higher and steadier cropping yields as compared with a number of other types of composting and peak-heat techniques tested. As the 16-Day "Normal+ 75%" inactive composting process has so far never been published in any satisfactory detail, combined with the fact that 10 years of experimental work and the experience and knowledge gained must be considered sufficient for making certain firm statements about composting, it was decided to publish this paper. It is true that in recommending a composting and peak-heat technique which—in general—is much different from what mushroom growers normally apply to-day, a certain scepticism is not to be avoided—especially because the process described does not make mushroom growing less complicated or problematic. On the contrary, the technique requires considerably more care than mushroom growers usually apply, but those who really are willing to make an extra effort will soon discover the economic advantages. This has been the experience of all growers devoting themselves seriously to the 16-Day "Normal + 75%" inactive composting process. Yields as high as 25-35 kilos per sq. metre (5-7 Ibs./sq. ft.) on a bed depth of 22-27 centimetres (11-8,5 sq. metres per ton of original manure with 52-55% moisture and 1.20-1.60% N of dry matter) have been obtained in commercial operations. This corresponds to about 275 to 300 kilos of pulled mushrooms per ton of original fresh manure during a picking period of 70 to 90 days.
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