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Abstract: Mechanical spawn mixing provides uniform distribution of spawn in the entire depth of compost resulting in shorter spawning periods, reduction of foreign mould growths, easy application of higher spawn rates and possible increased yields. A prototype machine was designed and built to combine the three functions (1) meter the spawn evenly over the bed at a desired rate, (2) mix the spawn evenly within the compost, and (3) level and compact the compost to leave a desirable bed surface for casing. Mechanical metering of spawn was successfully accomplished with no significant physical damage to the spawn and metering rate was accurately controlled. The optimum speed of the mixing shaft was evaluated by spawn particle distribution. The power requirements for the machine showed a non-proportional increase for both increasing shaft speed and forward machine speed.
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