CHAPTER V 



The Compost 



There is no substitute known for stable 

 manure as a compost for commercial 

 mushroom production. Wherever Agari- 

 cus campestris and related species are cul- 

 tivated this is the nutrient substratum em- 

 ployed. The best results are obtained only 

 w^hen the manure is hauled fresh from the 

 stables and permitted to undergo a definite 

 type of fermentation, as subsequently de- 

 scribed. 



Stable manure essential. In selecting 

 manure for mushroom w^ork only that v^hich 

 is recognized as of the highest quality should 

 be taken. It is the general experience that 

 considerable bedding straw should be pres- 

 ent with the manure, and if good straw it is 



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