SALINAS VALLEY – Monterey Mushrooms, a mushroom grower based in Morgan Hill, has announced the release of its Certified Organic Spent Mushroom Compost (COSMC) to row crop and leafy greens growers throughout the Salinas Valley.
A finely balanced blend of straw, peat moss, cottonseed meal, mined gypsum, mined lime and other natural ingredients, COSMC is a high quality, nutrient-rich, natural soil conditioner designed to improve soil fertility, optimize productivity and produce healthier, higher quality harvests in a variety of crops and landscapes.
Key benefits include:
- Improves soil composition: Loosens heavy soils and improves aeration while helping sandy soils retain moisture;
- Naturally Increases Fertility: Provides humus, organic matter and light fertilization to support vigorous plant growth;
- Improves Water Efficiency: Increases water holding capacity, reducing the need for frequent watering;
- pH Balancing: With a natural pH ranging from approximately 8.0 to 8.3, mushroom compost can help neutralize acidic soils and serve as a sustainable alternative to lime. And
- Versatile use: Ideal for improving planting beds, vegetable gardens, topdressing lawns and as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
The fine-grained compost loosens compacted soil, increases water retention and improves the entire soil structure – prerequisites that are essential for productive plants. In addition, the compost improves soil conditions and aeration, supporting uniform germination and strong early growth. Its organic matter reduces plant stress and irrigation needs while providing humus that promotes beneficial microbes.
By improving soil organic matter, compost promotes stronger root development and better nutrient uptake, helping farmers optimize their productivity while reducing their reliance on synthetic fertilizers. A balanced pH value and soluble salts additionally support cultivation on demanding soils and lead to healthier and higher quality harvests.
“We have been helping Salinas Valley farmers care for their soil since 2002,” said Keith Day, owner of Keith Day Gabilan Ag Services. “And whether it's orchards, vineyards or landscape maintenance, we see consistent quality and sustainable results for every grower when we incorporate certified organic mushroom compost from Monterey Mushrooms into our custom compost mixes. The results show that it naturally improves soil health, increases moisture retention and supports strong plant growth.”
For more information about COSMC, visit montereymushrooms.com/wholesale-organic-spent-mushroom-compost.