U.S. patent application number 10/600672 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for plant and mushroom growth medium.
Invention is credited to Stamp, John Wesley.
Application Number | 20050274074 10/600672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25645860 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stamp, John Wesley |
December 15, 2005 |
Plant and mushroom growth medium
Abstract
A growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium comprising
sugar cane mill mud and non sphagnum-peat material selected from
the group consisting of a non-sphagnum-peat and coconut fibre.
Inventors: |
Stamp, John Wesley; (Forest
Gardens, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
25645860 |
Appl. No.: |
10/600672 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10600672 |
Jun 20, 2003 |
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09786497 |
Mar 2, 2001 |
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6609331 |
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09786497 |
Mar 2, 2001 |
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PCT/AU99/00730 |
Sep 6, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
47/59S |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 24/28 20180201;
Y02P 20/145 20151101; A01G 18/00 20180201; A01G 24/25 20180201;
C05F 5/002 20130101; Y02A 40/20 20180101; C05F 11/00 20130101; A01G
24/27 20180201; C05F 5/002 20130101; C05F 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/059.00S |
International
Class: |
A01G 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 1998 |
AU |
PP 5695 |
Jun 16, 1999 |
AU |
PQ 0998 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium comprising
sugar cane mill mud and a non sphagnum-peat material, the material
being a non sphagnum-peat.
18. The growth medium of claim 17 wherein the ratio of sugar cane
mill mud to non sphagnum-peat is between about 1:1.4 to about 1:2
parts by weight.
19. The growth medium of claim 18, wherein the ratio is about
1:1.4.
20. The growth medium of claim 17, wherein the peat is sedge
peat.
21. The growth medium of claim 17 which is in the form of a casing
soil composition.
22. The growth medium of claim 21, further comprising about 65 to
75% wt/vol water.
23. The growth medium of claim 22, which further includes an
additive selected from the group comprising a fungicide, an
insecticide, a nematicide, a wetting agent and a pH controlling
agent.
24. The growth medium of claim 17, which further includes about 30
to about 80 wt % of an inert filler.
25. The growth medium of claim 24, which includes between about 60
to about 70% of an inert filler.
26. The growth medium of claim 24, wherein the inert filler is
bagasse.
27. A growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium comprising
sugar cane mill mud and a non sphagnum-peat material selected from
the group consisting of a non sphagnum-peat and coconut fibre.
28. The growth medium of claim 27, wherein the material is coconut
fibre and the ratio of sugar cane mill mud to non sphagnum-peat
material is between about 1:1.4 to about 1:2 parts by weight.
29. The growth medium of claim 28 which is in the form of a casing
soil composition.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed towards a growth medium
for plants. The present invention is also directed towards a growth
medium for use as a casing soil in mushroom cultivation.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In commercial mushroom cultivation it is general practice to
provide a lower layer of compost which is covered by a layer of a
material referred to as casing soil. It is important in mushroom
cultivation that the casing soil assists in maintaining a desirable
moisture level for mushroom growth. It should also maintain a
desirable carbon dioxide and oxygen ratio. Further the casing soil
should maintain the nutrient balance of the compost and also act as
a barrier to disease and insect pests.
[0003] To date, the only material which has been recognised by
commercial mushroom growers as being acceptable for use as casing
material is sphagnum peat. Sphagnum peat is partially decomposed
sphagnum moss and is obtained from Ireland, Holland and Canada
(known as blonde peat). Sphagnum peat has the required ability to
retain moisture at levels suitable for mushroom growth, together
with required porosity and nutrient levels.
[0004] However, existing sphagnum peat supplies are becoming
depleted. Thus, there is a need in the industry for an alternative
to sphagnum peat. Still further, the costs of obtaining imported
sphagnum peat are high and adds considerably to a mushroom grower's
costs. Thus, there is a further need in the industry for an
economically viable alternative to sphagnum peat.
[0005] A difficulty with obtaining an alternative to sphagnum peat
is that any alternative must satisfy the particular requirements
for mushroom cultivation. As mentioned above, a casing soil must
have a moisture holding capacity to ensure that there is sufficient
moisture to support mushroom growth. Other important properties
include neutral pH, low salt levels and suitable nutrient levels.
It has been observed that although other types of peat such as
sedge peat are available they do not satisfy the above requirements
and are unsuitable as casing soils. To date, there is no
commercially available alternative to sphagnum peat.
[0006] In the horticultural industry, it is common practice to
prepare artificial growth medium for use as potting mixes. Such
growth media must have desirable air porosity, water retention
properties and sufficient nutrients to sustain plant growth.
[0007] Typical commercial potting mixes include a mixture of coarse
sand and an organic material. Such a mixture on its own is
generally deficient in many nutrients necessary for plant growth.
Thus, to provide a satisfactory mix, it is necessary to add the
nutrients required for plant growth.
[0008] Typical organic materials are timber products such as bark
chips and composted bark material. Although these materials are
generally obtained from byproducts of timber production, their
supply does rely on diminishing natural resources.
[0009] In an attempt to provide a plant growth medium with
desirable properties a number of different combinations of
materials have been researched. Examples of these earlier studies
include the use of filler materials such as bagasse, coconut fibre
and rice husks with sphagnum peat moss and sphagnum peat.
[0010] Filler materials such as bagasse are fibrous materials which
contain no significant levels of nutrients. Thus, it is necessary
to add the nutrient rich sphagnum moss or peat. However, as
mentioned above, sphagnum peat is in a finite supply. To date, it
is believed there is no acceptable alternative to the use of
sphagnum peat in the horticulture or mushroom industries.
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a growth medium for plants and mushrooms which may at least
partially overcome the above disadvantages or provide the public
with a useful choice. It is also an object of the present invention
to provide a material for use as a casing soil which may be used as
an alternative to sphagnum peat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to a first broad form of the invention there is
provided a growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium
comprising sugarcane mill mud and a non-sphagnum peat material
selected from the group consisting of a non-sphagnum peat and
coconut fibre.
[0013] The growth medium of the present invention may be used in a
wide range of applications including potting mixes, soil additive,
mulch, mushroom casing soil and also as a top dressing material for
germination of grass seeds.
[0014] In the present specification and claims, the term
"non-sphagnum peat" includes any peat material which is not derived
from sphagnum moss. Such peat materials include peat derived from
sedges or trees. Another suitable material is coconut fibre, which
is known as coco peat. Typically, coco peat consists of shredded
coconut coir (the fibrous part of a coconut shell). The coconut
fibre may be either partially composted or used in its raw state.
Combinations of any two or more types of peat and/or coconut fibre
may also be used. Sphagnum peat may also be included as a minor
component of the composition if desired.
[0015] The term "sugarcane mill mud" in the present specification
and claims refers to washing material from sugar cane mills. The
washings include cane washings, lime, cane juice impurities and
fine bagasse.
[0016] Neither non sphagnum-peat materials or sugarcane mill mud
when used exclusively as a plant growth medium or casing soil are
suitable for satisfactory plant or mushroom growth. However, the
present inventor has surprisingly discovered that when a sugarcane
mill mud and non-sphagnum peat are used in combination, a material
suitable for use as a plant growth medium or casing soil may be
obtained.
[0017] Neither product on its own is suitable for satisfactorily
supporting plant or mushroom growth.
[0018] The ratio of non sphagnum-peat material to sugarcane mill
mud is typically between about 1.4:1 to about 2:1 parts by weight.
Preferably the ratio is about 1.7:1. The amount may very depending
upon the type of peat and source of the sugarcane mill mud. For
example, tho composition of the sugar cane mill mud may vary,
depending upon the source mill.
[0019] Typically, the respective amounts of sugar cane mill mud and
non sphagnum-peat material component are selected so as to optimise
desirable properties such as waster retention, aeration, pH, salt
content and nutrient level. For example, non sphagnum-peat
materials typically have undesirable properties such as low pH, low
nutrient levels and low air porosity. These properties may be
offset by the sugarcane mill mud which has near neutral pH,
suitable nutrient levels and good air porosity. Conversely,
undesirable properties of the sugarcane mill mud such as high salt
levels, low moisture retention, high levels or susceptibility to
unwanted biological organisms are offset by the non sphagnum-peat
material which was as low salt levels, good moisture retention and
is substantially free of nematodes and other soil pathogens.
[0020] Preferably, the non sphagnum-peat material sugarcane mill
mud are mixed to provide a composition having the ranges as defined
in the following Table 1.
1 TABLE 1 Nutrient Range Air Filled Porosity % 17-25 Water Holding
Capacity % 67-74 pH 6.7-7.2 Electrical Conductivity 0.3-0.45
Chloride (ppm) 18-30 Nitrate Nitrogen (ppm) 100-150 Ammonium
Nitrogen (ppm) <50 Total Nitrogen (ppm) 60-100 Sulphur (ppm)
25-50 Phosphorus (ppm) 18-40 Potassium (ppm) 16-30 Calcium (ppm)
150-350 Magnesium (ppm) 30-60 Sodium (ppm) 5-20 Iron (ppm) 25-50
Copper (ppm) 1.0-4.5 Manganese (ppm) 2-7
[0021] When used as a casing soil composition, preferably water is
also added to the peat and/or coconut fibre sugarcane mill mud
mixture to provide a water content of between about 65-75%
(wt/vol). Typically, the casing soil composition is sterilised
prior to use. Other optional additives may also be added. Such
additives include wetting agents fungicides, nematicides,
insecticides and texture and pH controlling agents. Such additives
are known to those skilled in the art. The composition may also be
supplemented with nutrients, if desired, such that the
concentrations of the respective chemicals fall within the ranges
in Table 1.
[0022] Where the medium is to be used as a plant growth medium such
as potting mix or top dressing soil, it may be desirable to add a
filler material to modify porosity and/or water retention. The
amount of filler can be varied, depending upon the desired
properties of the mix. This can depend on the type of plant to be
grown. Suitably, about 30 to about 80 wt % of filler may be added.
Potting mixes will typically include about 60 to about 70 wt %
filler where top dressing soils can contain lower levels of
filler.
[0023] A preferred filler is an inert material. An especially
preferred filler is bagasse.
[0024] Optionally, further additions known in the art may be added
to the medium of the present invention. Such additives include
wetting agents, insecticides, nematicides, nutrients and a pH
modifying agent.
BEST MODE
[0025] By way of Example only, the present invention will be
described with reference to the following Examples.
Example 1
[0026] A 10 tonne batch of casing soil was prepared as follows:
Sugarcane mill mud having a composition according to Table 2 and
sedge peat having a composition according to Table 3 are sterilised
separately at 70.degree. C. for 5 hours. 6,250 kg of peat and 3,750
kg of sugarcane mill mud are mixed in a mixer. An effective amount
of a pH controlling agent such as gypsum and/or lime is added such
that the pH of the mixture is near neutral, typically between about
6.7 to about 7.2. Generally about 100-130 kg of the pH controlling
agent is added.
[0027] A 10 L solution of one or more fungicides is prepared.
Preferred fungicides are those available under the trade names
Prochloraz and Benomyl. Preferably a 10 L solution of Prochloraz
(0.4-0.8 kg) and Benomyl (0.3-0.7 kg) is prepared.
[0028] A 10 L solution of an insecticide, nematicide and
disinfectant is also prepared. A preferred insecticide is available
under the trade name Fipronil (0.2-0.4 L), a preferred nematicide
is available under the trade name Fenamiphos (0.1-0.3 L) and a
preferred disinfectant is Formalin (1.5-2.25 L).
[0029] The moisture level of the mix is measured and the amount of
water required to achieve a moisture content of about 75% is
calculated.
[0030] A wetting agent is then added to the calculated amount of
water. A preferred wetting agent is Alcohol Ethoxylate. Typically
about 0.8-1.5 L of ethoxylate is added to about 0.8-1.0 KL of
water.
[0031] The sugarcane mill mud and peat are mixed in the mixer at a
speed not more than about 50 rpm for between about 8 to 10 minutes.
During mixing, the three aqueous solutions, prepared above, are
sprinkled onto the mixture. After the solutions have been added,
mixing is continued for between about 3 to about 5 minutes.
[0032] The casing mixture is then ready to be used or packaged.
2TABLE 2 SEDGE PEAT* Optimum Analytical Range at Nutrient/Test
Range different depth Air Filled Porosity % 15-25 2-10 Water
Holding Capacity % >40 54-82 pH 0.5-7.2 3.6-4.4 Electrical
Conductivity 0.2-0.5 0.08-0.12 Chloride 0-100 10 13 Nitrate
Nitrogen 100-150 1-2 Ammonium Nitrogen 0-150 0.0 Total Nitrogen
150-250 1 2 Sulphur >40 4-8 Phosphorus 8-40 1-2 Potassium 35-250
2-4 Calcium 50-340 17-22 Magnesium 25-80 20-24 Sodium 0-70 18-23
Iron 35-70 52-72 Copper 0.4-10 0.04-0.15 Manganese 1.0-15 1-3 *The
sedge peat is sourced from Butcher's Creek in Atherton. This peat
contains high levels of minerals and a large percentage of
undecomposed grasses, roots and the like which can tie up tree
nitrogen. Further, this material can break down to a very fine
particle size that can clog pore spaces.
[0033]
3TABLE 3 SUGARCANE MILL MUD Nutrient/Test Analytical Range Moisture
Level % 67.9-75.5 Water holding capacity % 46.9-62.3 pH 5.8-6.4
Electrical conductivity 0.54-0.77 Total Nitrogen % dm 0.52-0.83
Ammonium Nitrogen ppm 5-45 Phosphorus % dm 0.45-0.69 Potassium % dm
0.69-0.89 Calcium % dm 1.01 1.53 Magnesium % dm 0.37-0.43 Sulfur %
dm 0.13-0.19
Example 2
[0034] Example 1 was repeated with the sedge peat being replaced by
coco peat. The coco peat has a composition according to Table
4.
4TABLE 4 COCO PEAT Optimum Analytical Range at Nutrient/Test Range
different depth Air Filled Porosity % 15-25 13-18 Water Holding
Capacity % >40 63-77 pH 6.5-7.2 6.1-6.4 Electrical Conductivity
0.2-0.5 0.29-0.31 Chloride 0-100 59-71 Nitrate Nitrogen 100-150 1-3
Ammonium Nitrogen 0-150 >5 Total Nitrogen 150-250 1-3.5 Sulphur
>40 2.9-6.3 Phosphorus 8-40 1-6 Potassium 35-250 132-166 Calcium
50-340 42-68 Magnesium 25-80 14-23 Sodium 0-70 53-57 Iron 35-70
10.1-24.6 Copper 0.4-10 4-7.6 Manganese 1.0-15 2.2-7.5
[0035] The composition of the casing soil prepared by Examples 1
and 2 has a composition according to Table 5. This mixture may also
be used as a plant growth medium or as a soil additive.
5 TABLE 5 Available limits Nutrient of new casing mix Air Filled
Porosity % 21-25 Water Holding Capacity % 70-72 pH 6.8-7.0
Electrical Conductivity 0.375-0.4 Chloride (ppm) 24-28 Nitrate
Nitrogen (ppm) 110-125 Ammonium Nitrogen (ppm) 0.0 Total Nitrogen
(ppm) 75-90 Sulphur (ppm) 30-80 Phosphorus (ppm) 25-35 Potassium
(ppm) 20-30 Calcium (ppm) 225 300 Magnesium (ppm) 36-45 Sodium
(ppm) 14-20 Iron (ppm) 42-45 Copper (ppm) 3.5-4.0 Manganese (ppm)
4-8
[0036] The casing soils prepared by Examples 1 and 2 are chemically
balanced and ready to use. The texture of the material is able to
maintain a ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen which facilitates the
initial growth of the mushroom mycellium. (Carbon dioxide is
typically generated by the lower compost layer).
[0037] The casing soil prepared according to Examples 1 and 2 were
observed to have a high carbon content (which is desirable for
optimum vegetative growth), a low ash content (about 15 to about
25%), a high level of organic materials (about 540 mg/kg) to be
substantially nematode free, substantially free from soil borne
pathogens have a moisture content of between about 45 to about 55%
and a high moisture holding capacity (ie. a water holding capacity
at dry bulb density of 0.4 m/cc at 0.4 m suction is 137% on a dry
basis and 55% on a volumetric basis at temperature ranges of
15.degree. C. to 32.degree. C.).
[0038] The casing soil was also observed to maintain the moisture
holding capacity at a minimum level of about 67 to about 72%, to
maintain an optimum level of resistance against unwanted biological
organisms during the cropping cycle, optimum nutrient levels, a pH
of between about 6.7 to about 7.2 and also to maintain a desirable
texture.
[0039] The growth and quality of mushrooms produced using the
composition of the present invention was compared with the growth
and quality of mushrooms produced using sphagnum peat. The quality
and quality of the mushrooms produced using the composition of the
present invention was found to be comparable to that using sphagnum
peat. Comparative tests in which sedge peat and sugarcane mill mud
were used on their own showed that the mushroom growth was
unsatisfactory.
Example 3
[0040] A potting mix was prepared by mixing 1.7 parts by weight
sedge peat to 1 part by weight sugar mill mud. To this mix was
added 4 parts by weight bagasse.
Example 4
[0041] A top dressing material was prepared according to Example 3
except that 2 parts by weight bagasse was added. The top dressing
material was spread on a ground surface. Grass seeds were spread on
the material at regular intervals. Grass germination and growth was
evident over a period of about one week. This time was observed to
be less than that when using conventional top dressing
materials.
[0042] The potting mix and top dressing material were also observed
to exhibit at least equivalent and generally superior results over
conventional materials. However, the medium of the present
invention can be prepared using waste products such as sugar cane
mill mud. Thus, the medium can replace conventional materials
currently prepared from limited natural resources.
[0043] It will be appreciated that in the present specification and
claims, the term "comprising" and its derivatives "comprise" and
"comprises" will imply the inclusion of the stated integers but not
the exclusion of any further integer or integers.
[0044] It can be seen that the composition of the present invention
provides an alternative to conventional sphagnum peat in the
production of mushrooms and use as a plant growth medium or soil
additive. The composition enables the production of mushrooms of a
quality and quantity comparable to sphagnum peat.
* * * * *