Commercial
mushroom composting
A three week intensive online course led by experts with over 40+ years of combined experience
Fill out the form and get access to the intensive course at a special price right now.
€299 instead of €1200
for a three-weeks course of 11 lessons and weekly webinars
We started but you still can join!
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Learn all the nuances of industrial compost production for champignons with the course leader Maksym Yenchenko and expert Roman Stolper.
This course is for you if
- You want to understand the process of compost production for button mushrooms.
- Your intention is to start a business. In the course, we focus on commercial production.
- You have already realized that free videos on YouTube are not suitable for your needs.
- Learn About:
Taught By Proven Professionals
The course instructor and a composting expert, with a combined experience of over 40 years in mushroom cultivation, will provide you with knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.
Maksym YENCHENKO
Has over 15 years of experience in the mushroom business, excellent organizational skills, and teaching ability. Organized dozens of mushroom cultivation courses in many countries.
Roman STOLPER
Has 25+ years of experience in mushrooms and has managed large composting facilities for the past 9 years. Currently works at Walsh Mushrooms, Ireland.
Our Course Includes:
- 3-month access to a course consisting of 12 lessons, each lasting from 20 minutes to 1 hour. You will have access to 3 lessons per week.
- a total of 8 hours of recorded videos on composting technology and organizing processes in compost production.
- 3 live webinars to answer all your questions
- Template for compost mix calculation
- Composting schedule template
- Access to course materials for 3 month
- Access is available via computer or phone, and you can take the lessons at a time convenient for you.
What Do You Get From This Course?
- Understand the raw materials for compost production
- Learn the main analyses and parameters.
- Understand the principles of compost production.
- See examples of operational compost production facilities.
- Learn how to create a composting schedule.
- Learn how to conduct Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 of composting.
Limited Time Offer - Get It For Only 299$!
Course program
Lesson 1: Straw – The Foundation of Quality Compost
In this lesson, we explore the essential role of straw in commercial-scale composting for button mushrooms. Straw is more than just the primary ingredient; it’s the foundation for successful composting. You’ll learn everything needed to make the most of this material.
We’ll cover various types of straw, from wheat and rye to rice and corn, including organic options and how the baling process impacts quality. Key factors, like moisture, will help you make informed choices, and we’ll discuss best practices for storing straw to maintain its integrity.
This lesson also guides you through essential analyses to ensure your straw meets quality standards, with insights into how moisture, length, and structure impact compost quality. From selecting to storing, this lesson is your guide to building a strong foundation for mushroom cultivation.
Join us to understand straw’s pivotal role in composting – and start your journey to successful mushroom cultivation!
Lesson 2: Chicken Manure – Vital Nutrient for Compost
In this lesson, we explore chicken manure as a key nutrient source in composting for button mushrooms. You’ll learn about the two main types—dry and liquid chicken manure—and how each type impacts composting methods, equipment, and compost quality. We’ll cover the essential characteristics to look for, including moisture and nitrogen content, and discuss factors like storage, transport, and economic considerations when selecting manure.
You’ll also discover alternative nitrogen sources and how to adjust for regional availability, ensuring a balanced, nutrient-rich compost. Join us to understand how chicken manure supports mushroom growth and learn practical steps for optimal composting.
Lesson 3: Essential Analyses in Composting
In this lesson, we focus on critical analyses to monitor and optimize the composting process. Key indicators such as moisture content, pH levels, ash content, nitrogen, carbon, and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio help ensure that raw materials are correctly balanced and that compost formulation aligns with mushroom growth requirements.
You’ll learn practical methods to measure moisture using a microwave, determine pH for optimal microbial activity, calculate ash content for organic matter estimation, and assess nitrogen and carbon levels for nutrient balance. We’ll also dive into the importance of the C:N ratio, showing how it affects compost quality at each stage of production. Mastering these analyses will equip you to produce high-quality compost and achieve better yields.
Lesson 4: Compost Mix – Creating the Ideal Formula
In this lesson, we focus on formulating the compost mix for mushroom cultivation. Building on the foundational knowledge of moisture, nitrogen, carbon, and the C:N ratio, we’ll walk through a practical method for creating a compost mix formula using an Excel spreadsheet. This tool helps calculate ingredient quantities based on target compost volume and the specific requirements of your growing environment.
We cover the ideal ranges of nitrogen and moisture, how to balance straw, chicken manure, gypsum, and optional supplements like urea. You’ll learn how to adjust quantities to avoid overly sticky compost, maintain good structure, and keep the nitrogen levels optimal for mushroom growth. By the end, you’ll have a clear formula to prepare the exact amount of compost needed.
Join us to gain hands-on skills in crafting a high-quality compost mix tailored to your production needs!
Lesson 5: Scheduling the Composting Process
In this lesson, we cover the composting schedule, outlining each stage from dunking straw to phase three incubation. You’ll learn how to organize the composting process using an Excel-based schedule, including key tasks like dunking, mixing, and turning compost. These stages span multiple phases: phase one (fermentation), phase two (pasteurization and contaminant control), and phase three (incubation).
The lesson emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent timing to optimize compost quality. By structuring weekly schedules with planned tasks and batch timings, you can ensure a smooth, efficient composting process across all production cycles.
Join us to develop a reliable schedule that supports each step of the composting journey, from raw material to ready-to-grow compost.
Lesson 6: Compost Yard – Layout and Functionality
In this lesson, we explore the design and setup of a compost yard, including essential sections for each composting phase. You’ll learn about typical layouts, from raw material storage to mixing, and specialized areas for phase one, phase two, and phase three composting. We discuss different types of compost yards, such as phase two-only yards and phase three yards with incubation facilities.
We cover equipment for handling straw, chicken manure, and gypsum, including water storage and mixing lines. You’ll see how bunkers and tunnels serve in fermentation, pasteurization, and incubation, with an emphasis on streamlining transfers and achieving compost consistency. By understanding the functions of each section, you can optimize your compost yard setup for efficient production.
Join us to gain practical insights into organizing a compost yard that supports a seamless, scalable composting process.
Lesson 7: Mixing – Setting the Stage for Quality Compost
This lesson focuses on the mixing process, a crucial step in composting that sets the foundation for a uniform, high-quality compost. We discuss the importance of evenly blending ingredients—straw, chicken manure, gypsum, and water—while preserving compost structure. Effective mixing methods range from manual tools like forks to specialized equipment, depending on the scale of production.
You’ll learn about key techniques for achieving uniformity, including when to add supplements like ammonium sulfate or urea, and how to maintain optimal moisture levels. We also cover common challenges in mixing, such as avoiding dry spots and ensuring even nutrient distribution. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to create a consistent compost mix that supports optimal mushroom growth.
Join us for a hands-on approach to the mixing process that’s critical for successful compost production.
Lesson 8: Phase 1 – The Foundations of Mushroom Composting
In this lesson, we dive into the Phase 1 composting process, focusing on creating essential nutrients for mushrooms and fostering compost selectivity. This phase typically lasts 10 to 14 days and involves carefully controlling temperature, oxygen, and moisture in specialized bunkers. We explore the role of bunkers, the layout, and equipment used to regulate airflow, including high-pressure fans and aeration nozzles.
We also cover a typical Phase 1 schedule, detailing initial compost mixing, transfers, and adding water when necessary. Oxygen and temperature management are crucial; optimal settings ensure the right bacterial activity and reduce ammonia loss. Additional insights include monitoring moisture levels and adjusting air based on oxygen meter readings to achieve a uniform and nutrient-rich compost.
By the end of this phase, you’ll understand how to develop high-quality compost that meets the needs of mushrooms, preparing you for the next stage in the composting process.
Lesson 9: Phase 2 - Equipment
This lesson covers the setup and equipment needed for Phase 2 composting, also called the pasteurization phase, lasting about five days. At the end of Phase 2, the compost is ready for mushroom spawning.
Key points include:
Tunnel Types: We explore two main tunnel designs: low-pressure tunnels with double concrete floors and high-pressure tunnels with spigot floors, typically four to six meters wide.
Tunnel Structure and Air System: The setup includes a concrete floor with aeration channels, an air-handling unit (AHU) to manage airflow and temperature, and exhaust systems to control humidity.
Filling and Preparation: Proper filling is crucial to prevent air bypass and ensure even airflow. Hoppers and cassettes help maintain uniform compost levels, which is essential for effective pasteurization.
In the next lesson, we’ll discuss Phase 2 composting processes, temperature control, and pasteurization stages.
Lesson 10: Phase 2 - Composting Process
In this lesson, we dive into the actual Phase 2 composting, commonly known as pasteurization. Phase 2 is crucial for eliminating competitors like molds and bacteria and creating food for the mushrooms. It takes about five days, with pasteurization itself being just one stage.
Key topics covered:
Main Goals: Phase 2 aims to sterilize the compost and remove ammonia to make it ready for mushroom spawn. Controlling this ensures mushroom-friendly compost.
Process Overview: The compost is loaded into tunnels, where air handling units, probes, and fans manage temperature and airflow to reach target levels. Maintaining the correct environment throughout the compost ensures uniform pasteurization.
Airflow and Temperature Management: Using controlled recirculation and fresh air intake, we adjust for oxygen needs and moisture to create an ideal composting environment.
In the next lesson, we’ll explore how to manage temperature changes and optimize each pasteurization stage.
Lesson 11: Phase 3 - Final Incubation Stage
In Lesson 11, we delve into Phase 3, the final incubation step that transforms compost into the optimal growing environment for Agaricus mushrooms. This stage ensures a thorough spawn run, promoting robust mycelium growth essential for high yields.
Topics covered:
- Phase 3 Goals: How controlled incubation reduces competition and optimizes compost for growth.
- Preparation for High Yield: Methods to achieve ideal structure, pH, and nutrients.
- Quality Control: Key practices for managing temperature, moisture, and oxygen.
- Efficient Operations: Tips on tunnel rotation and maintaining a sterile environment.
Upon completing this lesson, you’ll be equipped to produce Phase 3 compost that supports yields of 34-36 kg/m² or more.
Listen to the reviews
Fellow composters who took this course have something to tell you
“This is the only course that meets the needs of industrial compost production. I am very satisfied and highly recommend it.”
“I recently completed UMDIS Mushroom Agency’s Compost Course and found it amazing! The trainers explained complex concepts clearly, helping me significantly improve my composting process. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their composting skills.”
“This is the perfect opportunity to obtain knowledge of producing professional compost.”
“I really can recommend this course. It gave so much in three weeks that it paid back instantly! Really useful.”
“We recently attended button mushroom compost preparation training organized by UMDIS, and it was excellent. The session was well-structured, with expert trainers providing clear guidance and practical demonstrations. Their professionalism and focus on sustainable techniques were impressive. We highly recommend their training programs for anyone in the mushroom farming industry!”
“Fantastic! I searched Interned for a course like this for a long time and finally it here!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course include mushroom cultivation?
This course focuses exclusively on compost production for Agaricus mushrooms (white and brown). Compost is the primary raw material for mushroom production. However, topics on mushroom cultivation are not included in this course. Please check out our other courses to find one on mushroom cultivation.
What is the course about?
The course focuses on the compost production technology used by large commercial compost producers in Europe. We also provide a brief overview of alternative and simpler methods, but these are not covered in detail.
How is the course structured?
The course includes 12 video lessons and 4 live online seminars. The video lessons are pre-recorded, while the seminars are live sessions on Telegram.
What language is the course in?
The course is conducted entirely in English, including both video lessons and live seminars.
What platform is used for the course?
The course is hosted on Telegram, where participants receive materials and access live seminars.
What do I need to participate?
You’ll need access to Telegram. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to install the app on your device.
How do I access the course after payment?
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a Telegram message with instructions for accessing course materials and the schedule for live seminars.
Can I access the course on my mobile device?
Yes, the course is accessible on any device that supports Telegram, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.
Are the video lessons available for download?
No, the videos are intended for streaming only on Telegram and cannot be downloaded.
How long will I have access to the course materials?
You’ll have access to all course materials for 3 months from the start date, giving you ample time to review the content.
What if I miss a live seminar?
If you miss a live seminar, you’ll be able to watch the recorded session. A link to the recording will be provided in Telegram after each session.
How can I interact with instructors during live seminars?
During live seminars, you can directly ask questions and interact with Maksym Yenchenko and Roman Stolper.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, participants who complete the course will receive a digital certificate of completion.
Do I need prior experience in mushroom cultivation to join?
Prior experience is helpful, but the course is designed to be valuable for both beginners and experienced individuals in mushroom cultivation.
How long are the video lessons?
Each lesson varies in length, ranging from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Will I receive a refund if I am not satisfied with the course?
If you’re not satisfied with the course and let us know within one week after the course ends, we’ll issue a 100% refund.
What composting methods are covered in the course?
The course is about composting in commercial scale. The course briefly reviews some alternative and simpler methods, but these are not covered in depth, as the primary focus is on commercial-scale compost technology.
How can I register for the course?
Fill this form and complete payment. After payment, you’ll receive instructions for accessing the course on Telegram.
Can I access the course from multiple devices?
Yes, you can access the course from multiple devices as long as they have Telegram installed
Refund policy
If you are unable to attend the course, we will refund the full amount provided you notify us at least two weeks before the course start date. If you inform us of your inability to attend less than two weeks before the course begins, we cannot guarantee a refund.
In the event that the course is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer, a full refund will be issued to all registered participants.
Payment options
Payment by Visa and MasterCard – WayForPay.
Bank transfer – request and invoice here.
Contact information of the organizer
Private entrepreneur
Yenchenko Maksym
Tax ID 2870701232
Legal address: m.Kyiv, vul.Zarichna, Bud 2 Korp.3, sq.12.
maksym.yenchenko@umdis.org
tel. +38 (067) 506 45 21
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