manure compost vs mushroom compost

Manure Compost vs Mushroom Compost Which is Better for Your Garden?

When it comes to improving soil quality and providing nutrients for plants, two of the most popular options are manure compost and mushroom compost. Both can enrich soil with organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, there are some key differences between these amendments that are worth considering. In this article, we’ll compare manure compost and mushroom compost to help you decide which is better for your specific gardening needs.

What is Manure Compost?

Manure compost is made by composting animal manures like cow, horse, sheep, goat or chicken manure. As the manure breaks down, it releases nutrients that plants can use. Cow and horse manure tend to be higher in nutrients than other animal manures.

Composted manure provides a number of benefits:

• Slow release source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as micronutrients
• Improves soil structure and texture
• Increases moisture retention
• Promotes helpful soil microorganisms
• May suppress plant diseases
• Often a very cost effective soil amendment

However, fresh or raw manure can burn plants due to its high ammonia content. It also may contain pathogens that can contaminate edible plants. For these reasons, manure needs to be composted before using it in the garden. Well-composted manure is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.

What is Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost (also called spent mushroom substrate) is a byproduct of commercial mushroom production. After mushrooms are harvested, the growing medium is pasteurized and broken down by microbes. This results in a rich, fertile compost that can be used in gardens.

Some benefits of mushroom compost include:

• Good source of organic matter to improve soil structure
• Contains many macro and micronutrients
• Has a near neutral pH, so won’t alter soil pH much
• Low risk of contaminants or pathogens
• Retains moisture well

Potential drawbacks are that it tends to be slightly higher in salts and isn’t as nutrient rich overall as properly composted manure. It also doesn’t contain as much beneficial microorganisms as composted manure.

Key Differences Between Manure and Mushroom Compost

Now that we’ve covered the basics of each, let’s look at some key differences:

Nutrient Content

Manure compost generally contains higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than mushroom compost. However, nutrient levels can vary in both based on the source materials. Well-composted manure has more beneficial microbes that help break down nutrients for plant uptake.

Organic Matter Content

Mushroom compost tends to have a higher percentage of organic matter than manure compost. This organic matter improves soil structure and water holding capacity.

pH Levels

Mushroom compost usually has a near neutral pH around 6.5-7. Manure compost can vary in pH depending on the source, but often falls in the slightly acidic range.

Salt Content

Mushroom compost can have higher salt content since it may contain gypsum and other supplements added during mushroom cultivation. Too much salt can damage sensitive plants.

Weight

Mushroom compost is lighter and easier to work with than dense, heavy manure compost. Mushroom compost can often be applied with a spreader without compressing soil.

Safety

Raw manure may contain pathogens, but finished compost should not if properly composted. Mushroom compost goes through a pasteurization process so pathogen risk is very low. There is less concern of contamination with mushroom compost.

Odor

Mushroom compost has an earthy, musty aroma from the mushrooms. Manure compost has a stronger “barnyard” smell, especially if not fully finished composting.

Cost

Mushroom compost is often more expensive than local manure compost in many areas. But costs for both vary based on local availability.

So Which is Better for the Garden?

Now for the big question – which of these composts is better to use in your garden? Here are some guidelines:

• For vegetables and edible gardens, mushroom compost is often the safer choice because of very low pathogen risk.

• For flower and ornamental gardens, either can work well. Manure compost provides more nutrients over a longer period.

• In gardens with alkaline soils, acidic manure compost can help lower pH. Mushroom compost won’t alter pH much.

• Where soil needs a big boost of organic matter, mushroom compost may be a better choice.

• For cost effectiveness, locally produced manure compost usually costs less than mushroom compost.

• Mushroom compost works well for container gardens, raised beds and rooftop gardens since it’s lightweight.

• For soils lacking biological activity, nutritious manure compost can provide a good dose of beneficial microbes.

• Mushroom compost may be preferable for sandy soils to increase water holding capacity.

• Nutrient hungry crops like corn, squash and cole crops respond well to manure compost.

Ultimately, consider your specific soil, climate, plants and budget when deciding between these too excellent compost options. Both can improve soil quality and plant growth. Mushroom compost offers a sterile, pathogen-free alternative, while manure provides more nutrients and microbes. The ideal approach is to use a combination of compost sources to reap the unique advantages of each!