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 green farmers throughout the Salinas Valley.
A finely balanced mixture of straw, peat moss, cottonseed meal, mined gypsum, mined lime and other natural ingredients, COSMC is a premium, nutrient-rich, natural soil amendment designed to enhance soil fertility, optimize productivity and achieve healthier, higher-quality harvests across a wide range of crops and landscapes.
Key benefits include:
- Improves Soil Composition: Loosens heavy soils and enhances aeration while helping sandy soils retain moisture;
- Boosts Fertility Naturally: Provides humus, organic matter and light fertilization to support vigorous plant growth;
- Enhances Water Efficiency: Increases water-holding capacity, reducing the need for frequent irrigation;
- pH Balancing: With a natural pH in the range of around 8.0-8.3, Mushroom Compost can help neutralize acidic soils and serve as a sustainable alternative to lime; and
- Versatile Use: Ideal for amending planting beds, vegetable gardens, topdressing lawns and as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
The fine-textured compost loosens compacted soils, increases water retention and improves overall soil structure — conditions essential for high-yielding crops. In addition, the compost improves soil tilth and aeration, supporting uniform germination and strong early growth. Its organic matter reduces plant stress and irrigation needs, while supplying humus that fosters beneficial microbes.
By enhancing soil organic matter, the compost promotes stronger root development and better nutrient uptake, helping farmers optimize productivity while relying less on synthetic fertilizers. Balanced pH and soluble salts further support crops in challenging soils, leading to healthier, higher-quality harvests.
“We’ve been helping Salinas Valley farmers care for their soil since 2002,” said Keith Day, owner of Keith Day Gabilan Ag Services. “And, no matter if it’s orchards or vineyards or maintaining landscapes, we see consistent quality and sustainable results for every grower when we incorporate certified organic spent mushroom compost from Monterey Mushrooms into our custom compost blends. The outcomes show that it naturally improves soil health, boosts moisture retention and supports strong plant growth.”
For more information about COSMC, visit montereymushrooms.com/wholesale-organic-spent-mushroom-compost.
