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Originally Posted by bluehelix Hydrated lime should not be used. Calcium carbonate should be used to balance out peat moss. The only people using hydrated lime are hobbyists, |
I strongly disagree. I've been using hydrated lime exclusively for several years with zero problems. It's what stamets recommends at the masters seminar and also what the two largest commercial mushroom farms in my area, that I do lab work for both, use for production of edibles and medicinals.
The very rapid swings in ph that can be achieved with hydrated lime make it excellent for use in pasteurization of straw and other bulk substrates. I can pasteurize straw in hot water with a ph of 12, which neutralizes contaminants in their tracks. Once it has drained and sat overnight, the ph naturally falls to the perfect spawning level of 8 to 8.5.
In casing mixes, hydrated lime gives an immediate ph correction, and it lasts as long as the average casing lasts. I use one teaspoon of hydrated lime per cup of peat in my 50/50 casing mixes, along with a tablespoon of gypsum per cup of peat. The gypsum, which contains both calcium and sulphur, helps to moderate the hydrated lime. I have never, and I repeat
never had problems with using hydrated lime. It is what I recommend over calcium carbonate due to it's very fast acting properties. If one can't find hydrated lime, then use pickling lime/calcium carbonate. But, in my opinion, it's a second choice, not the first.
RR