Application of Spent Sun Mushroom Substrate in Substitution of Synthetic Fertilizers at Maize Topdressing

Abstract

Synthetic fertilization can increase maize yields, but also cause environmental impacts, as well as increasing production costs and food security risks. Sun mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) is an important Brazilian fungus used to generate large amounts of spent mushroom substrate. This residue can be used for maize fertilization, but little is known about its ideal application rates to reduce maize dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of a maize crop under different combinations of synthetic fertilizers and two different spent mushroom substrate doses. The experiment was carried out in pots and evaluated maize germinate and biometric parameters, as well as soil and leaf chemical characteristics. The results showed that residue application increased maize germination and Emergence Speed Index. Regarding the maize biometric parameters, height, stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry masses, and leaf area were superior for residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing only at higher doses. Moreover, residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing proved to be more relevant for maize growth according to canonical discriminant analysis. In terms of nutrients, the use of spent mushroom substrate increased significantly leaf P, K, and S levels and mainly K content in the soil, justifying non-application at maize topdressing.

Reuse of sun mushroom post-harvest areas as an alternative to maize cropping

“…As an advantage, maize cultivation in post-harvest areas can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilization, due to the presence of organic residues from mushroom cultivation already present in the soil. Moreover, soil pH (6.1 to 6.6) and EC levels (75-159 µS cm -1 ) were found to be within an acceptable range for all treatments and crops, as recommended in the literature (Medina et al 2012;Alves et al 2022). The SMS treatment was better in the rst season because it provided high levels of P, Ca and Mg in the soil (Table 3 and Fig.…”

“…Additionally, our study's ndings are supported by Mohapatra et al's (2020) research, which showed that areas previously cultivated for outdoor mushroom production can be reused to achieve increased yield. Speci cally, in previous studies, we proved that the addition of spent sun mushroom substrate increases the agronomic parameters of maize (Alves et al 2022).…”

Responses of Crop Yield, Soil Fertility, and Heavy Metals to Spent Mushroom Residues Application

“…Meanwhile, waste mushroom residue is rich in macro- and micronutrients, making it a viable option for organic fertilizer [ 18 , 19 ]. Previous studies have found that the appropriate combination of mineral fertilizers and waste mushroom residues is beneficial to improving and maintaining soil quality and plant growth [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. As an important producer of mushrooms in China, Sichuan mainly produces Enoki mushroom, Oyster mushroom, Auricularia polytricha mushroom, Shiitake mushroom, and Agaricus bisporus [ 23 ].…”

Valorization of Spent Mushroom Substrate: Establishing the Foundation for Waste-Free Production

“…Several efforts have been made to develop efficient and sustainable strategies for the SMS valorization, including its application as an alternative fertilizer and soil amendment agent [9,10], as a supplement to enrich nutrient levels in subsequent mushroom cultivation cycles [11], as a soil bioremediation agent [12][13][14], and as a feedstock for biofuel production [15][16][17][18].…”