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Phase 3 Mushroom Compost , also called the spawn-run process, is the last phase of the substrate creation. As for infection .sensitivity the point between phase 2 and 3 is the most critical one
The compost is obtained from a mixture that contains: wheat straw, nitrogen fountains, gypsum, and water. This blend (Phase 0) will be submitted to a controlled aerobic composting process (Phase I) that consists of assuring high oxygen levels are present in the mix (6-12%) at determined temperature levels (40-80ºC) so that the biochemical conditions soften the straw and the decomposition of materials and the integration of nitrogen in an ammonic form (Ammonification) can take place. At the end of this phase, nearly all of the easily assimilated carbohydrates have disappeared, whilst the ones remaining will, in an upcoming phase, contribute to feeding the growing mushrooms.
That way, the Phase 3 Mushroom Compost will become selective in producing white mushrooms (Agaricus).
After phase 2 we have a completely sterile product. However the substrate has to leave the tunnels to be inoculated. So it is vital to keep the production facility in which this takes place sterile. In this process the spawn is being added to the compost. This spawn is already inoculated and grown on a pre-sterilized grain of corn. This grain of corn is the first nutrition of the [mycelium] so it can survive until it is being added to the substrate. These grains of corn are called spawn and is proved to Walkro by specialized companies. This spawn carries the genetic attributes of the mushrooms.
After this procedure the substrate is put back into the same tunnel as the phase 2 tunnel. At a temperature of 25 to 26° Celsius the mycelium will slowly grow from the grain of corn and colonise itself on the substrate. After 15 to 18 days this process is being stopped and the substrate reloaded for transport to the customer. In the case of Pilzhof Wallhausen GmbH, it is relocated to the culture spaces for phase 4. Special supplement is being added again during reloading. This supplement is nitrogen rich and is an extra nutrition for the mushroom. This supplement is mostly based on soya and provides an extra 15% gain to the mushrooms growth.
Mushroom substrate ( Phase 3 Mushroom Compost or Phase 2 Mushroom Compost) is a unique living organism; it varies according to the environment it is produced in. We have composting sites across Europe, Ireland, the UK and Canada. Each of our compost sites are run by a team of specialists, taking raw materials from the local area. As well as making substrate for our own farms, we also make substrate for other mushrooms growers.
