AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE CULTIVATION OF THE COMMON MUSHROOM AGARICUS-BISPORUS

Addition of cottonseed meal to the casing material, rather than to the compost, was examined as an alternative method of nutrient supplement ation in the cultivation of the common mushroom Agaricus bisporus. For maldehyde and calcium sulfate were used independently to prepare delay ed release supplement. Casing supplementation significantly (P<0.05) i ncreased mushroom production (by 0.5-52% in the different trials) and required significantly less nutrient than compost supplementation. It did not result in the increased compost temperature from microbial the rmogenesis that is associated with compost supplementation. A suppleme ntation rate of 6 or 8% (on a fresh weight basis) could be recommended . Increases in mushroom yield from the use of formaldehyde and calcium sulfate were not significantly different but calcium sulfate treatmen t is quicker and less hazardous than formaldehyde treatment.