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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1991 February; 57(2): 563-567
Copyright © 1991, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Evolution of Volatile Sulfur Compounds during Laboratory-Scale Incubations and Indoor Preparation of Compost Used as a Substrate in Mushroom Cultivation

P. J. L. Derikx, F. H. M. Simons, H. J. M. Op DEN Camp^*, C. VAN DER Drift, L. J. L. D. Van Griensven and G. D. Vogels

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld, NL-6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

Volatile sulfur compounds are known to be produced during the preparation of compost used as a substrate in mushroom cultivation. Because they cause odor problems, attempts have been made to reduce the production of these compounds. The influences of temperature and various additions on the production of volatile sulfur compounds from composting material were tested on laboratory-scale preparations. The production of H₂S, COS, CH₃SH, and (CH₃)₂S was proven to be a biological process with an optimal temperature that coincides with the optimal temperature for biological activity. The formation of CS₂ and (CH₃)₂S₂ was shown to be a nonbiological process. The emission of volatile sulfur compounds during the indoor preparation of mushroom compost appeared to be remarkably reduced (about 90%) as compared with the emission during the conventional outdoor process. Introduction of this indoor composting process would result in a significant reduction in environmental pollution.

^* Corresponding author.

Present address: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Present address: Mushroom Experimental Station, NL-5960 AA Horst, The Netherlands.

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