Fermentation material containing stalk particles of monocotyledonous flowering plant and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a fermentation material comprising particles of stalks of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably corn, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material. The invention achieves this object by relating to a fermentation material comprising particles of stalks of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably corn, and possibly at least one filler, preferably at least one clay, in which: (a) the size of the particles is expressed in millimeter by its maximum size Dg, in a priority increasing order: Dg < = 30; dg < = 20; dg < = 15; dg < = 10; dg < = 5; (b) the specific density Ds of the material in the unit of gram per liter of dry matter is progressively increased according to the priority as follows: Ds is more than or equal to 100 and less than or equal to 250; 120 < = Ds < = 220; 130 < = Ds < = 220; 140 < = Ds < = 200; (c) the water content Cw of the material in percentage by mass is increased according to the following priority: 55 < = Cw < = 95; 65 < = Cw; 70 < = Cw < = 90; 80 < = Cw < = 85; (d) the carbon-nitrogen ratio C / N of the material is progressively increased according to the priority as follows: 60 < = C / N; 70 < = C / N; 80 < = C / N; 90 < = C / N; 95 < = C / N < = 120. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a fermentation material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to new bio-based materials, in particular to a fermentation material containing monocotyledonous flowering plant stalk granules, preferably corn.

[0002] The fermentation material can be used as a culture medium and / or a plant substrate component and / or a peat substitute, especially as a covering material.

[0003] The present invention encompasses the application of the new bio-based materials in numerous uses, as well as the preparation method of products / compositions prepared from the new bio-based materials.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a production method of the fermentation material. Background Art

[0005] US10,260,169B2 describes a production method, especially for producing superabsorbent pellets and / or fibrous materials from crop residues cultivated from monocotyledonous flowering plants, including the following steps:

[0006] (i) Cutting the corn stalks planted in the field at a certain height above the ground so that the stalk segments with leaves remain in the field; each stalk segment with fewer leaves includes a spongy core, a stalk bark wrapping the core, and leaf-like substances wrapping the stalk bark or growing from the stalk;

[0007] (ii) Cutting the stalk segments with fewer leaves as close to the ground as possible;

[0008] (iii) Harvesting the stalk segments with fewer leaves cut in step (ii);

[0009] (iv) Cutting the stalk segments with fewer leaves harvested in step (iii) into stalk segments with a maximum size in the range of 5 - 50 millimeters;

[0010] (v) Mechanically impacting the stalk segments in step (iv) to separate the spongy core from the stalk bark and the leaf-like substances, converting the stalk bark into long fibrous strips; and obtaining a mixture containing the following components:

[0011] f1. The spongy core forms a superabsorbent pellet component, and its water absorption capacity expressed as a multiple of its own dry mass is greater than or equal to 15;

[0012] f2. The long fibrous strips form a fibrous material component;

[0013] f3. The leaf-like substances form a leaf-like component, and the superabsorbent pellet component, the fibrous material component, and the leaf-like component form three components;

[0014] (vi) Separating the three components;

[0015] (vii) Recover the three components f1 - f2 - f3;

[0016] (viii) Optionally reduce the f1 superabsorbent pellets to a smaller particle size with a maximum size in the range of 0.1 - 20 millimeters.

[0017] The superabsorbent pellets f1 and the fibrous material f2 of US10,260,169B2 are the main raw materials for preparing different compositions, which are used in different fields: chemical treatment, decontamination, purification, filtration, industrial processing aids, crop activation. In particular, the fibrous substance f2 can be used as a plant substrate, a plant substrate component, and / or a peat substitute.

[0018] The fibrous material f2 of US10,260,169B2 as a plant substrate, a plant substrate component, and / or a peat substitute can be improved, especially in terms of the growth efficiency and / or growth selectivity of certain types of plants or fungi.

[0019] Currently, the casing soil is almost entirely produced from peat, which is a fossil resource. Therefore, the current method of mushroom production is not sustainable. For a long time, alternative raw materials for producing casing soil (such as grass, wood fiber, waste paper, coconut fiber) have been tested, but they do not meet the very specific requirements of this application (structure formation, water retention capacity, biological stability), so they are not suitable for today's practical applications.

[0020] WO2012066511A1 discloses a method for preparing a casing soil material for mushroom production with a pH of 7.5, comprising the following steps:

[0021] - Provide a plant parenchyma or pith body extracted from a bagasse plant source;

[0022] - Mix the body with water to provide a starting mixture;

[0023] - Add a decomposition enhancer (cow rumen contents) to the starting mixture to stimulate microbial activity;

[0024] - Compost the starting mixture;

[0025] - Allow the excess nutrients in the mixture to leach out.

[0026] Water the fermented material on the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th, 32nd, 37th, 42nd, 47th, 52nd, 57th, 62nd, 67th, 72nd, and 77th days of composting, with the aim of maintaining the water content of the casing soil material at 65% throughout the composting period. During the composting stage, care should be taken not to let the casing soil material dry out, as this will inhibit microbial growth and composting. The carbon-nitrogen ratio (C:N) of the casing soil material is maintained at 40 - 50:1.

[0027] The water retention capacity of the covering material exceeds 350 ml of water / 100 g of dry mass. The covering soil is used in the method for producing Agaricus bisporus.

[0028] The covering material according to WO2012066511A1 has the following disadvantages: a low carbon-nitrogen ratio results in poor biological stability, and the addition of bovine rumen contents adds unwanted salts.

[0029] Against this background, it is a requirement of public order to design new bio-based materials taking into account environmental issues, particularly but not limited to the consideration of the destruction of currently protected peat bogs. These new bio-based materials should not only be environmentally friendly, but also have to perform well in terms of productivity (medium yield), crop quality and crop selectivity. This is especially true for covering materials as peat substitutes.

[0030] Particularly suitable is that these new bio-based materials, as culture media, have improved water retention capacity / biological stability, and / or low nitrogen, phosphorus and / or sulfate content.

[0031] In addition, after grain harvesting, there is also a need to quickly clean up the residual stalks / stems in the field, especially for maize. This need is related to the necessity of crop rotation, while preventing the decomposition of residual plant materials after grain harvesting, which may be a source of groundwater pollution, and controlling crop pests, especially the maize borer.

[0032] Another concern in crop fields is the biological stability and storage safety of residual plant materials after grain harvesting. The stalks / stems located below the ear axis connection are significantly wetter than the grains, with a dry matter content of only 25 - 30%, depending on weather conditions. Under such humidity conditions, rapid microbial growth related to material degradation and heat generation can be observed in central raw material warehouses. Material degradation leads to unwanted material losses, and heat generation poses a fire risk. This situation makes it impossible to store wet corn straw for subsequent use.

[0033] Object of the Invention

[0034] Against this background, the present invention aims to meet at least one of the following objectives.

[0035] One object of the present invention is to provide a fermented material containing monocotyledonous flowering plant stalk granules, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material.

[0036] One object of the present invention is to provide a fermented material containing monocotyledonous flowering plant stalk granules, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material, and can be used as a culture medium and / or a plant substrate component and / or a fertilizer and / or a peat substitute, especially for covering soil.

[0037] One object of the present invention is to provide a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material and can be used as a high-performance and / or selective culture medium and / or plant substrate component and / or fertilizer and / or peat substitute, especially for covering soil.

[0038] One object of the present invention is to provide a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material and can be used as a culture medium and / or plant substrate component and / or fertilizer and / or peat substitute, especially for covering soil, and which has a high water retention capacity, and / or biological stability, and / or low nitrogen, phosphorus and / or sulphate content.

[0039] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material, said method being simple and suitable for industrial production.

[0040] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material, said method being economical and rapid.

[0041] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material, said method being capable of removing the plant material remaining in the field after harvesting of the grains.

[0042] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, which can be used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and bio-based material, said method solving the problem of the humidity of the plant material (stems) remaining after harvesting of the grains (70 - 75% depending on weather conditions), as well as the subsequent problems of biological stability and storage difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0043] The inventors have invested a great deal of time and money in research and development and have finally discovered a new crop-based bio-material that meets at least one of the above objectives. The present invention relates to a fermented material comprising particles of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably maize, and at least one filler / additive, preferably at least one clay, wherein:

[0044] (a) The size of the particles is defined by their maximum dimension D gIndicates, in millimeters, in increasing order of preference, as follows:

[0045] D g ≤ 30; D g ≤ 20; D g ≤ 15; D g ≤ 10; D g ≤ 5;

[0046] (b) The specific density D of the material s , in grams of dry matter per liter, in increasing order of preference, as follows:

[0047] 100 ≤ D s ≤ 200; 120 ≤ D s ≤ 190; 130 ≤ D s ≤ 180; 140 ≤ D s ≤ 180;

[0048] (c) The water content C of the material in the saturated state w , in mass percentage, in increasing order of preference, as follows:

[0049] 55 ≤ C w ≤ 95; 65 ≤ C w ; 70 ≤ C w ≤ 90; 80 ≤ C w ≤ 85;

[0050] (d) The carbon-nitrogen ratio C / N of the material, in increasing order of preference, as follows:

[0051] 60 ≤ C / N; 70 ≤ C / N; 80 ≤ C / N; 90 ≤ C / N; 95 ≤ C / N ≤ 120.

[0052] The environmentally friendly and crop-derived material of the present invention is a remarkable new raw material, particularly suitable as a culture medium and / or a component of a plant substrate and / or a fertilizer and / or a peat substitute, especially for covering soil, particularly for mushroom production, such as button mushrooms. The fermented material of the present invention has a unique fibrous and porous structure. It has an unusually high water retention capacity. This is achieved not only by utilizing the matrix-binding ability of the fibers (i.e., the ability of cellulose fibers to absorb and retain water through hydrogen bonds), but also by developing capillary-binding ability (forming fine pores filled with water). Due to its porosity, the material shrinks in volume after adding water and forms capillary-binding forces, forming aggregates (blocks) filled with water, which is particularly applicable in the production of covering soil.

[0053] For use as a culture medium, especially as a casing soil for mushroom production, the fermented material must meet a key specification which is rather contradictory to high water retention capacity, namely, the biological activity should be as low as possible to prevent the unwanted reproduction of foreign organisms.

[0054] Furthermore, the fermented material according to the invention has an advantage due to its aggregating ability, and thus can be shaped into various 3D shapes and has a certain mechanical strength.

[0055] Preferably, the fermented material according to the invention is characterized in that at least some of the particles are fibrous particles, and preferably the average length L of the fibrous particles a , in millimeters, in ascending order of preference, is as follows:

[0056] 0.5 ≤ L a ≤ 3; 0.6 ≤ L a ≤ 2.5; 0.7 ≤ L a ≤ 2; 0.8 ≤ L a ≤ 1.8; 1 ≤ L a ≤ 1.5.

[0057] Advantageously, the fermented material according to the invention has biological stability, and its oxygen consumption O c is less than or equal to, in grams per gram of material per day, in ascending order of preference: 3; 2.8; 2.7; 2.6; 2.5; 2.4; 2.3; 2.2; 2.1; 2.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the fermented material according to the invention is used as a culture medium and / or a plant substrate component and / or a fertilizer and / or a peat substitute, such as a casing soil.

[0059] The fermented material according to the invention can be mixed with a standard casing soil, and preferably the mixing ratio is at most 70% by volume, more preferably 5 - 40% by volume.

[0060] The invention also relates to a method for producing the fermented material according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0061] . S1. Harvest the grains of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably from the subfamily Panicoideae, more preferably maize, and leave the stalks in the field;

[0062] . S2. Cut and crush the remaining stalks in the field into granular material;

[0063] . S3. The granular material can be transported to a processing site;

[0064] . S4. The granular material can be dehydrated until the dry matter content C dm , in mass percentage, in ascending order of preference, is as follows:

[0065] 20 ≤ C dm ; 25 ≤ C dm ≤ 60; 30 ≤ C dm ≤ 50;

[0066] .S5. Store and ferment the granular material, preferably for a fermentation time sufficient to bring the temperature Tp of the stored granular material to about 50 °C, and the total dry matter of the granular material changes at a rate per 24 hours equal to or lower than, in ascending order of priority: 20%; 15%; 10%; 5%; 1%;

[0067] .S6. Grind the granular material to a particle size represented by its maximum size D g in millimeters, in ascending order of priority as follows:

[0068] D g ≤ 30; D g ≤ 20; D g ≤ 15; D g ≤ 10; D g ≤ 5;

[0069] .S7. Spray water on the ground granular material from step (S6);

[0070] .S8. The ground granular material can be dehydrated to obtain a dry matter content C dm , in mass percentage, as follows:

[0071] C dm ≤ 37, preferably C dm ≤ 35, more preferably 20 ≤ C dm ≤ 35;

[0072] .S9. Loosen the granular material;

[0073] .S10. At least one filler / additive can be added, preferably at least one clay;

[0074] .S11. The granular material can be fermented for a period of time sufficient to bring the temperature of the fermented granular material to T p (°C) value greater than or equal to, in ascending order of priority as follows: 50; 55; 60; 65;

[0075] .S12. The fermented granular material can be maintained at temperature T p for at least hours, in ascending order of priority as follows: 12; 24; 36; 48;

[0076] .S13. The fermented granular material from step.S12. can be stored and / or packaged.

[0077] This efficient, industrial and reliable method is particularly capable of rapidly producing the fermented material of the present invention, which has the advantage of recovering the plant stalks within less than 2 - 3 weeks after grain harvest and converting them into technical and functional fermented growth raw materials.

[0078] This method meets all the requirements of the official and raw material suppliers, especially the regulations supporting the protection of groundwater and the control of corn borers, which migrate from corn stalks to the soil to overwinter after harvest and cause crop damage in the following year.

[0079] This method does not allow the rapid growth of microorganisms related to material degradation and heat generation during the storage of the recycled crop materials. This means that no unwanted material loss occurs, and controlling heat generation according to this method significantly reduces the fire risk during bulk storage.

[0080] According to a variant of the production method of the fermented material of the present invention, the starting product is not directly extracting the stalks from the farmland and crushing them on - site, but using the cut stalks stored under appropriate conditions.

[0081] This variant corresponds to the method described in the above - mentioned paragraph of the specification of the present invention, where steps.S1., S2. and S3. are replaced by the following steps:

[0082] .S01. Implement the cut monocotyledonous flowering plant stalks, preferably from the sub - family Gramineae, more preferably corn;

[0083] .S02. Crush the cut stalks in step (S01) into granular material;

[0084] .S03. Store the granular material.

[0085] The method according to the present invention further has at least one of the following features:

[0086] (-f.1-): Step (S2) is implemented by a forage harvester device.

[0087] (-f.2-): Step (S2) is carried out within 20 days after grain harvest, preferably within 14 days.

[0088] (-f.3-): Step (S02) is implemented by a forage harvester device.

[0089] (-f.4-): Step (S2) or (S02) results in the stalk granule size being represented by its maximum size D2 g in millimeters, in ascending order of priority as follows:

[0090] D2 g ≤15; D2 g ≤12; D2g ≤ 9; D2 g ≤ 6; D2 g ≤ 3.

[0091] (-f.5-): Step (S4) is mechanical dehydration implemented by a screw press device.

[0092] (-f.6-):

[0093] * The composting process of step (S5) includes storing the dehydrated granular material from step (S4) or (S04) in a ventilated and heat-insulated composting container;

[0094] * The composting process of step (S11) includes storing the granular material in a ventilated and heat-insulated composting container.

[0095] (-f.7-): The ventilated and heat-insulated composting container in (-f.5-) is a modified refrigerated container.

[0096] (-f.8-): Step (S6) is grinding implemented by an impact mill device or a grinding mill device, preferably by an impact mill device, more preferably by such an impact mill device whose tip speed of the rotating tool is greater than or equal to, in meters per second, in ascending order of priority as follows: 60; 65; 70; 75; and more preferably between 80 and 100.

[0097] (-f.9-): In step (S7), the water addition amount is between 100 and 200 liters per cubic meter, preferably between 130 and 170 liters per cubic meter, more preferably between 145 and 155 liters per cubic meter.

[0098] (-f.10-): In step (S10), the filling / additive addition amount is between 5 and 45 kilograms per cubic meter, preferably between 15 and 35 kilograms per cubic meter, more preferably between 20 and 30 kilograms per cubic meter.

[0099] (-f.11-): In step (S10), the filling material is selected from the group consisting of, ideally, clay, peat, and their mixtures.

[0100] Definition

[0101] According to the terms herein, the following non-limiting definitions should be considered:

[0102] Any singular form is equivalent to the plural form.

[0103] "About" means, for example, more than or less than 10%.

[0104] "Stalk" is a synonym of "stem".

[0105] "Peat" refers to the organic matter extracted from peat bogs.

[0106] "Casing" refers to the top layer of the mushroom growth substrate, especially the top layer of the Agaricus bisporus growth substrate.

[0107] "Compost" refers to the lower layer and nutrient source of the mushroom, especially the lower layer and nutrient source of the Agaricus bisporus. Detailed implementation mode

[0108] Fermentation material

[0109] The crop-derived material of the present invention comprises granules of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably corn. These granules are made by cutting, crushing and grinding the stalks, preferably corn stalks.

[0110] The granular material preferably has at least one of the following characteristics:

[0111] *(a) Maximum size D g ≤1 mm. The maximum size D of the material can be determined as follows g : Dry 100 g of the material at 105 °C and then pass it through a 1.5 mm sieve. The fiber size is defined by the passing rate, for example > 30%; > 40%; > 50%. The preferred maximum size corresponds to a passing rate of about 50%.

[0112] *(b) Specific density is 100 ≤ D s ≤180 g dry matter / liter, preferably 120 ≤ D s ≤160 g dry matter / liter. D s Preferably about 140 g dry matter / liter. It can be determined as follows: Weigh the fermented material in a 1000 L capacity big bag. Take five samples of about 0.5 L and mix them into a representative sample. Dry 100 g of the sample at 110 °C to constant weight. The dry matter content is the percentage of the dry mass to the wet sample mass (100 g). The specific density D s Is calculated by multiplying the fresh mass of the big bag by the dry matter content.

[0113] *(c) Water content C at saturation w , that is, at its saturation point, the maximum moisture content that the material can hold without leaking liquid. The saturation point is measured as follows: Take a fine sieve with a 0.5 mm sieve, load 100 g of the material, pour water, and wait until there is no leakage. Additionally, no more water passes through the fine sieve.

[0114] C wIt can be determined according to the following details: First, the dry matter content of the fermentation material derived from crops according to the present invention, defined in grams, is defined according to the above method steps. Second, the saturation point of the material is measured according to the above method steps. The water content in g / L is calculated as (total mass at saturation point in g / L) - (dry mass in g / L).

[0115] According to the present invention, C w is thus defined as:

[0116] 70 ≤ C in mass percentage w ≤ 90%, preferably 75 ≤ C in mass percentage w ≤ 85%. The water content C at saturation w is preferably about 80% in mass percentage.

[0117] *(d) The carbon-nitrogen ratio 95 ≤ C / N ≤ 120 ("C" represents carbon atoms, "N" represents nitrogen atoms). The carbon-nitrogen ratio can be determined by standard procedures https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Carbon-to-nitrogen_ratio The carbon-nitrogen ratio is determined by burning the fermentation material to ash at 950 °C to release CO2 and N2 therein, detecting C and N in the gas, expressing them as milligrams of total C per gram of material and milligrams of total N per gram of material, and calculating the C / N ratio.

[0118] These particles are at least partially fibrous particles, especially cellulose fiber particles forming a porous network, contained in a matrix made of fermented crop material and may contain at least one filler such as clay. Other fillers such as peat can also be considered.

[0119] The fineness of the fibers, i.e., the average fiber length and the fiber length distribution, are important characteristics of the fermentation material of the present invention. The fiber length distribution is beneficial for forming very fine pores on the one hand and contains fibers long enough to be beneficial for the cohesion of the aggregates formed by the material, thereby improving the strength of the aggregates. According to the best embodiment of the present invention, the average fiber length of 1 - 1.5 mm gives the best results.

[0120] Biological stability is another way to define the fermentation material of the present invention. The biological stability of the material corresponds to the oxygen consumption O c less than or equal to, in grams per gram of material per day, in ascending order of priority as follows: 3; 2.8; 2.7; 2.6; 2.5; 2.4; 2.3; 2.2; 2.1; 2.

[0121] The oxygen consumption O cIt can be determined according to the following details: Each atom of carbon (C) consumes one molecule of oxygen (O2) in the oxidation reaction. The loss of dry matter in the container during the composting process is directly related to the oxygen consumption. The total fresh mass and the respective dry matter content are measured before and after composting (see the above paragraphs of the specification of the present invention). The difference in total dry matter multiplied by 1.14 is the oxygen consumption of the entire container. Cellulose is the main organic component in corn straw, and its molar carbon-oxygen ratio is 1:1. During biodegradation, one oxygen atom in the air and one oxygen atom in cellulose are required to remove one C. Biodegradation is limited by the availability of nutrients and water. If they are consumed, the oxygen consumption will decrease and the degradation process will stop.

[0122] The fermentation material according to the present invention can be mixed with standard covering soil, such as dark milled peat, dry peat or semi-dry peat. In the mixture, the ratio of the standard covering soil to the fermentation material can be up to 70% by volume, preferably 5 - 40% by volume, for example 20% by volume. Adding the standard covering soil can buffer the fermentation material of the present invention and / or reduce the conductivity and pH value of the mixture, for example, below 1.2 mS / dm and below 7.5 respectively, which is also beneficial to the growth of fungi.

[0123] Production method according to the present invention, particularly for fermentation materials

[0124] Main embodiment : Steps S1 to S13

[0125] Step S1 : Harvest the grains using a standard corn thresher, with a high cutting bar, leaving the stalks in the field, at a height of, for example, 50 - 100 cm. For example, the grains are harvested by using a John Deere type corn thresher and raising the cutting bar. The thresher is driven by narrow crawlers to prevent harvest losses.

[0126] Step S2 : Cut and preferably crush the remaining stalks in the field using a forage harvester, with a cutting length of, for example, 2 - 8 mm, to make chopped granular material. Step S2 is implemented, for example, within less than 10 days after step S2, meeting the requirements of the official and raw material suppliers. In particular, within 2 hours after the grain harvest, a Claas Jaguar type chopper is used, with a theoretical cutting length of 6 mm.

[0127] Step S3 : The chopped granular material of step S2 can be transported by any conventional means.

[0128] Step S4 : The chopped granular material of step S2 can be dehydrated by a screw press to obtain a pressed cake with a dry matter content C dm For example, a pressed cake with a dry matter content of 40 - 45%. For example, step S4 is implemented within at most 2 weeks after step S2, using Dehydration press, final humidity 56%, corresponding dry matter content C dm 44%.

[0129] Of course, dehydration is only required when the granular material is very wet, which depends on the weather conditions of the crop from which the granules are sourced.

[0130] Step S5 : Storage and fermentation are preferably carried out for a sufficient time such that the temperature T of the stored granular material p Initially rises and becomes stable (about 50 °C) or drops after the nutrients and / or moisture are depleted. The total dry matter change rate of the stored granular material per 24 hours is equal to or lower than, in increasing order of priority, as follows: 20%; 15%; 10%; 5%; 1%.

[0131] The pressed cake or large stacks or piles formed by the non-dehydrated granular material in step S4 can be stored for 12 - 18 months. For example, a large stack or pile can be up to 5 m high and the storage period is at least 5 weeks.

[0132] For example, a probe is used to regularly record the temperature T at a depth of 1 m in the stack / pile p Data archive. T p The data archive is for example as follows: 8 °C; 12 °C after 7 days; 15 °C after 14 days; 30 °C after 21 days; 45 °C after 28 days; 45 °C after 35 days; 44 °C after 42 days.

[0133] Step S5 results in a mass loss of about 30 m in the stack / pile of the pressed cake in step S4 (e.g., chopped and dehydrated corn stover) 3 The mass loss is determined as follows. Assume for example:[[]]

[0134] * The fresh mass of the material on the day of pressing is 7500 kg, with a dry matter content of 44% and a total dry matter mass of 3300 kg;

[0135] * And, 42 days after pressing, the fresh mass of the material is 7162 kg with a dry matter content of 44%;

[0136] Therefore, the total dry matter mass is 3151 kg.

[0137] This results in a mass loss of 4.5% during the 42-day observed storage period. This loss results in a consumption of about 51.4 g of O2 per kg of dry matter, or about 1.22 g of O2 per kg of dry matter per day. At the end of 20 days, the O2 consumption is significantly lower than 1.5 g of O2 per kg of dry matter per day, i.e., it meets the definition of "storage stability" according to Gomez, Lima and Ferrer published in the publication "Waste management & research", 24(1), 37 - 47, 2006.

[0138] Step S6 : Grinding or pulverizing, especially for fiber separation of the stalk granular material in step S5. For example, use a Huning HPZ1200 impact mill.

[0139] Step S7 : Water spraying the granular material in step S6 by any conventional spraying means.

[0140] Step S 8: Similar to step S4, dehydration can be carried out to obtain a dry matter content C dm , by mass percentage, as follows:

[0141] C dm ≤37, preferably C dm ≤35, more preferably 20≤C dm ≤35.

[0142] Step S9 : Loosening the dehydrated granular material in step S8 in an Agerskov AM110 hammer mill.

[0143] Step S10 : At least one filler can be added, preferably clay, such as montmorillonite, and the addition amount is, for example, 5%-20% of the dry mass

[0144] Standard casing soil, especially all peat-based casing soils, can also be added as a filler / additive.

[0145] Step S11 : The granular material can be fermented for a period of time sufficient for the temperature of the fermented granular material to reach T p value greater than or equal to (°C), in ascending order of priority as follows: 45; 50; 55; 60; 65.

[0146] Microbiological analysis of the material showed that no human pathogens (Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella) and / or potential diseases of Agaricus bisporus (such as Trichoderma, Lecanicilium fungicola, Cladobotryum ssp) were detected. In addition, no pesticides or plant growth regulators were detected in the material. This means that the material can be safely used for commercial purposes. However, depending on the mixture used, wet storage time, irrigation program, etc., the material may contain spores of Coprinus and Peziza, which may develop under industrial Agaricus bisporus production conditions.

[0147] In a remarkable embodiment of the method of the present invention, the fermentation in step S8 is carried out in a heat-insulated container to ensure the maintenance of the above-mentioned uniform temperature T pIn this way, the surface temperature of the pile of granular material to be fermented can also be controlled.

[0148] This makes the resulting fermented material, when used as capping soil, not contain unwanted fungal spores on the relevant levels.

[0149] Step S12 : The fermented granular material can be maintained at temperature T p for at least the following number of hours, in increasing order of priority: 12; 24; 36; 48.

[0150] Possible step S13 : The fermented granular material of step S12 can be stored and / or packaged. For example, it can be packaged in large bags.

[0151] Multiple tests were carried out on the water retention volume of the fiber fermented material produced in this way. The formation of aggregates was promoted by a mixing process similar to that commonly used for capping soil in the mushroom industry. It has been confirmed that due to the formation of aggregates and the action of capillary bound water, the moisture content can be increased from 330 g / L to >600 g / L (without clay) or >800 g / L (with clay and / or peat as additives). For the fiber fermented material produced in this way, the average fiber length is preferably 1 - 1.5 mm.

[0152] In addition, adding clay to the mixture without standard capping soil significantly increases the strength, thus ensuring the industrial applicability of the capping soil.

[0153] Embodiment variant : Steps S01 to S012

[0154] Step S01 : Using cut monocotyledonous flowering plant stalks, preferably corn.

[0155] Step S02 : The cut stalks of step S01 are crushed into granular material, with a cutting length of, for example, 2 - 8 mm, to obtain shredded granular material.

[0156] The subsequent steps are the same as steps 04 - 12 of the main embodiment.

[0157] Examples

[0158] Example 1:

[0159] Step S1 : Using a standard combine harvester Claas to harvest the grains of raw material corn (Zea mays). The type used is and

[0160] Step S2: Use Claas Forage harvester for stalk harvesting. The harvesting is carried out 2 days after the grain harvesting, at which time the average dry matter content of the material is 27%. Cutting is carried out using a straight disk mower, and the cutting length is about 5 mm.

[0161] Step S3 : The harvested material is transported to the processing site.

[0162] Step S4 : The material is mechanically dehydrated to remove residual moisture and dissolved nutrients. The dehydration is completed using a screw press. The dry matter content of the obtained press cake is 43%. The pressing liquid is collected and redistributed to the farmland.

[0163] Step S5 : The press cake is placed in a ventilated and heat-insulated compost container. Its initial volume is about 48 cubic meters, the total mass is 12.0 tons, the dry matter content is 43%, and the total dry matter is 5.16 tons. After 4 weeks, the material temperature T p reaches 52 °C, there is no obvious volume loss, and the total dry matter is 4.92 tons. After 6 weeks, the material temperature and total dry matter no longer change.

[0164] Step S6 : After 6 weeks, use HPZ1200 impact mill to mechanically disintegrate the material. The equipment is configured with a retention bottom plate that can extend the residence time of the material in the grinding chamber. The equipment is set to maximize the friction and disintegration efficiency.

[0165] Step S7 : After disintegration, water is sprayed on the material. The water consumption per cubic meter of the material is about 150 liters.

[0166] Step S8 : The water-added material in step S7 is subjected to water extraction. The dehydration is completed using EX40 screw press. The dry matter content of the obtained press cake is 43%. The pressing liquid is collected and redistributed to the farmland.

[0167] Step S9 : Use AGERSKOV KM110 rotary mill to loosen the structure of the press cake.

[0168] Steps S10 and / or S13 : The produced press cake is used to prepare various mixtures 1-6 (see Table 1 below). Among them, mixture 4 is prepared using semi-dry ground black peat with a pH value of 4. Mixtures 5 and 6 are prepared using standard black peat-based covering soil and the pH value is corrected.

[0169] Measured value

[0170] According to the EN12580 standard, the material density is determined by filling a 20-liter cylinder.

[0171] The material dimensions are determined by the above method.

[0172] The dry matter content is calculated based on the dry mass determined by the above method.

[0173] The total moisture content is the difference between the fresh mass and the dry mass.

[0174] The method for determining capillary-bound water is as follows: The material is placed in a cylinder with perforated bottom in a water-saturated state, and a suction of 0.1 bar is applied from the bottom (standard procedure

[0175] https: / / www.vegetronix.com / TechInfo / How-To-Measure-Holding-Capacity-Soil to determine the field capacity

[0176] https: / / www.vegetronix.com / TechInfo / How-To-Measure-Holding-Capacity- Soil ). The amount of water filtered through is the capillary-bound water. The matrix-bound water is the difference between the total moisture and the capillary water.

[0177] The aggregate stability is determined by the industry-recognized "snowball test". The water-saturated material is manually kneaded into a snowball and thrown against a wall. If the whole snowball adheres to the wall and no part falls off, it indicates that the material is sticky and the aggregate stability is good.

[0178] Evaluation of the fermentation material obtained by the method of the present invention

[0179] Result

[0180] Table 1 shows the differences between the 6 test mixtures. From the perspective of practical applications, the total moisture and the aggregate stability are the most important. The mixture containing fine fibers and clay has a total moisture content of up to 620 g / L. The specific moisture content and the total available water for fruiting body growth are crucial for mushroom yield. The total available water for fruiting body growth is estimated based on including all capillary water and part of the matrix water

[0181] Table 1

[0182]

[0183] * At water-saturated state, determined as described above

[0184] ** Determined as described above

[0185] *** Calculated according to total water - capillary water

[0186] These variants were used in mushroom production tests to evaluate the yield and quality of mushrooms. The fermentation material containing clay and / or peat according to the present invention meets all the technical specifications of the casing soil and is comparable in yield and quality to 100% peat-based casing soil.

[0187] Example 2:

[0188] Step S1 : The grains of raw material corn (Zea mays) were harvested using a standard combine harvester Claas Lexion.

[0189] Step S2 : The stalks were harvested using a Claas Jaguar forage harvester. This harvest was carried out 2 days after the grain harvest, when the average dry matter content of the material was 27%. Cutting was done using a straight-disk mower, and the cutting length was approximately 5 mm.

[0190] Step S3 : The harvested material was transported to the processing site.

[0191] Step S4 : The material was mechanically dehydrated to remove residual moisture and dissolved nutrients. The dehydration was completed using a Trumag EX40 screw press. The dry matter content of the resulting press cake was 43%. The pressed liquid was collected and redistributed to the farmland.

[0192] Step S5 : The press cake was placed in a ventilated and heat-insulated compost container. Its initial volume was approximately 48 cubic meters, the total mass was 12.0 tons, the dry matter content was 43%, and the total dry matter was 5.16 tons. After 4 weeks, the material temperature reached 52°C, there was no obvious volume loss, and the total dry matter was 4.92 tons. After 6 weeks, the material temperature and total dry matter no longer changed.

[0193] Step S6 : After 6 weeks, the material was mechanically disintegrated using a Huning HPZ1200 impact mill. The equipment was equipped with a retention bottom plate that could extend the residence time of the material in the grinding chamber. This equipment was suitable for maximizing the friction and disintegration efficiency.

[0194] Step S7 : After disintegration, water was sprayed on the material. The water consumption per cubic meter of the material was approximately 150 liters.

[0195] Step S8 : The water-added material in step S7 was subjected to water extraction. The dehydration was completed using the EX40 screw press. The dry matter content of the resulting press cake was 43%. The pressed liquid was collected and redistributed to the farmland.

[0196] Step S9 : The press cake was loosened in structure using a rotary mill.

[0197] Step S10 : Add clay at a ratio of 25 kilograms per cubic meter of fibrous material and use Type vertical spiral feed mixer for mixing.

[0198] Steps S11 and S12 : Put the mixture into a ventilated and heat-insulated compost container. The temperature of the mixture reaches 67 °C within 60 hours and remains at this temperature for an additional 48 hours. At this time, the material has completed pasteurization and can be put into industrial use.

[0199] The material forms stable aggregates with the following specifications:

[0200] - Maximum particle size D g : 2 mm.

[0201] - Specific density D s : 161 grams of dry matter per liter.

[0202] - Water content C w : 833 grams per liter.

[0203] - Carbon-nitrogen ratio C / N = 102.55.

[0204] - Average length L of fiber particles a = 1 mm.

[0205] - No unwanted fungal growth is observed.

Claims

1. A fermentation material, which comprises stem granules of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably corn, and preferably, at least one filler / additive, characterized in that: (a) The size of the particles is represented by their maximum size D g which, in the dry state, passes through a 1.5 mm sieve and is expressed as a percentage of passage, in ascending order of priority, as follows: D g > 20; D g > 30; D g > 40; D g > 50 (b) The specific density D of the material in grams of dry matter per liter s , in ascending order of priority, is as follows: 100 ≤ D s ≤ 250; 120 ≤ D s ≤ 220; 130 ≤ D s ≤ 200; 140 ≤ D s ≤ 200 (c) The water content C of the material in the saturated state, by mass percentage w , in ascending order of priority, is as follows: 55 ≤ C w ≤ 95; 65 ≤ C w ; 70 ≤ C w ≤ 90; 80 ≤ C w ≤ 85; (d) The carbon-nitrogen ratio C / N of the material is as follows in ascending order of priority: 60 ≤ C / N; 70 ≤ C / N; 80 ≤ C / N; 90 ≤ C / N; 95 ≤ C / N ≤ 120.

2. The fermented material according to claim 1, wherein At least some of the particles are fibrous particles. Preferably, the average length L of the fibrous particles is in millimeters a , in ascending order of preference: 0.5 ≤ L a ≤ 3; 0.6 ≤ L a ≤ 2.5; 0.7 ≤ L a ≤ 2; 0.8 ≤ L a ≤ 1.8; 1 ≤ L a ≤ 1.

5.

3. The fermented material according to claim 1, which has biological stability, with a corresponding oxygen consumption O c less than or equal to, in grams of material per gram per day, and in ascending order of priority as follows: 3; 2.8; 2.7; 2.6; 2.5; 2.4; 2.3; 2.2; 2.1; 2.

4. The fermented material according to claim 1, wherein The material is a culture medium and / or a plant substrate component and / or a peat substitute.

5. The fermented material according to claim 1, wherein It is mixed with standard overburden, preferably with a mixing ratio of up to 70% by volume v / v, more preferably 5 - 40% by volume v / v.

6. A method particularly for producing the fermentation material according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 - 5, comprising the following steps: .S1. Harvest the grains of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably from the subfamily Poaceae, more preferably corn, such that the stems remain in the field; .S2. Cut and preferably crush the remaining stems in the field to make granular material; .S3. The granular material can be transported to a processing site; .S4. The granular material can be dehydrated until the dry matter content C is reached in terms of mass percentage dm , in ascending order of priority as follows: 20 ≤ Cdm; 25 ≤ Cdm ≤ 60; 30 ≤ Cdm ≤ 50 .S5. Store the granular material and allow it to ferment, preferably for a fermentation time sufficient for the temperature T of the stored granular material p to reach about 50 °C, and the percentage change rate per 24 hours of the total dry matter of the granular material is equal to or lower than, in ascending order of priority, as follows: 20%; 15%; 10%; 5%; 1%; .S6. Grind the granular material into particles, the size of which is represented by its maximum dimension D g in millimeters, in ascending order of priority as follows: D g ≤ 30; D g ≤ 20; D g ≤ 15; D g ≤ 10; D g ≤ 5 .S7. Spray water on the ground granular material from step (S6); .S8. The granular material after grinding can be dehydrated to obtain a dry matter content C by mass percentage dm , as follows: C dm ≤37, preferably C dm ≤35, more preferably 20 ≤ C dm ≤35; .S9. Loosen the granular material; .S10. At least one filler / additive can be added, preferably including at least one clay; .S11. The granular material can be fermented for a sufficient time so that the temperature T p (°C) of the fermented granular material reaches is greater than or equal to, in ascending order of priority, as follows: 50; 55; 60; 65； .S12. The granular material after fermentation can be maintained at temperature T p At least hourly, in ascending order of priority as follows: 12; 24; 36; 48; .S13. The fermented granular material from step.S12. can be stored and / or ripened.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Steps.S1.;.S2. and.S3. are replaced by the following steps: .S01. Implement the harvesting of the stems of monocotyledonous flowering plants, preferably from the subfamily Poaceae, more preferably corn; .S02. Crush the cut stems in step (S01) into granular material; .S03. The granular material can be stored.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Step (S2) or step (S02) is implemented by a forage harvester device.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Step (S2) or (S02) causes the stalk granule size to be from its maximum size D2 g which is expressed, in millimeters and in increasing order of priority, as follows: D2 g ≤ 15; D2 g ≤ 12; D2 g ≤ 9; D2 g ≤ 6; D2 g ≤ 3.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step (S4) is mechanical dehydration implemented by a screw press device.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: * The composting treatment in step (S5) includes loading the granular material into a ventilated and heat-insulated compost container; * The composting treatment in step (S11) includes loading the granular material into a ventilated and heat-insulated compost container.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The ventilated and heat-insulated compost container is a modified refrigerated container.

13. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step (S6) is grinding implemented by an impact mill device or a grinding mill device, preferably by an impact mill device, more preferably by such an impact mill device, the tip speed of whose rotating tool is greater than or equal to, in meters per second, as follows in ascending order of priority: 60; 65; 70; 75; and more preferably between 80 and 100.

14. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step (S7), the water addition amount is between 100 and 200 liters per cubic meter, preferably between 130 and 170 liters per cubic meter, more preferably between 145 and 155 liters per cubic meter.

15. The method according to claim 6, wherein In step (S10), the filler addition amount is between 5 and 45 kilograms per cubic meter, preferably between 15 and 35 kilograms per cubic meter, more preferably between 20 and 30 kilograms per cubic meter.

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