African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 3 (9), pp. 456-462, September 2004           
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2004 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Temperature profiles of Agaricus bisporus in composting stages and effects of different composts formulas and casing materials on yield

Mehmet COLAK

Mu`ğla University, Faculty of Technical Education, Kötekli, 48000, Muğla, Turkey. Tel: +90-252-2238612; Fax: +90-252-2238511. E-mail: cmehmet@mu.edu.tr, memetcolak@yahoo.co.uk.

Accepted 12 August, 2004

Three compost formulas using different activator materials were prepared for Agaricus bisporus cultivation. A locally available casing material known as peat of Bolu district and its different combinations with perlite were used. Temperature profiles of all mixtures during composting were measured at every composting stages at various depth in order to determine the compostability level of substrates. Compost temparature steadily increased until the 10th day of composting and maximum temperatures were recorded at the second turning stage of composting. The highest yield of (5124.1 g/kg) was recorded by wheat straw mixed with pigeon manure (formula number II) with the peat as casing material mixed with perlite (80:20 in volume). The most appropriate casing materials was appeared to be the peat of Bolu district mixed with perlite (80:20; in volume) for all of compost materials.

Key words:  Composting, Agaricus bisporus, compost temperature, casing material, yield.