Fungi in a controlled compost system - With special emphasis on the thermophilic fungi

Morten Klamer, Ulrik Søchting

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A well-defined material consisting of straw and a nitrogen source was composted in well-insulated containers. The C/N ratio was adjusted to about 30, and the moisture content to 70%. The temperature was monitored continuously. During the first month of composting samples were taken for fungal and chemical analysis. Compost samples were homogenised, washed, and 2 mm pieces of material were placed on agar media and incubated at 24 and 45°C. The Petri dishes were studied frequently and the germinating fungi were identified. The fungi developing during the compost process can be divided in two groups: One appearing before peak heating and another appearing after. Before peak heating there was dominated by species of: Pemcillium, Absidia, Trichurus, and Trichoderma when incubation was at 24°C, while Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizomucor pusillus dominated when incubation was at 45°C. In samples taken after peak heating the thermophilic and thermotolerant species Thermomyces lanuginosus, Scytalidium thermophilum and Paecilomyces variotii dominated. Fruit bodies of Coprinus cinereus developed in great amounts during this phase.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActa Horticulturae
Number of pages9
Publication date1 Dec 1998
Pages405-413
ISBN (Print)9789066058804
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 1998
SeriesActa Horticulturae
Volume469
ISSN0567-7572

Keywords

  • Coprinus cinereus
  • Elephant grass
  • Fungal succession
  • Miscanthus
  • Pig manure
  • Scytalidium thermophilum
  • Thermomyces lanuginosus

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