Fertiliser characteristics of stored spent mushroom substrate as a sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter for tillage, grassland and agricultural soils

Abstract

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is an organic manure that can be used with advantage in agriculture. Under European Union (EU) (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, SMS cannot be applied to land over the winter months and must be stored on concrete surfaces, either covered or uncovered, to prevent nutrient-rich runoff seeping into groundwater. Spent mushroom substrate at four storage facilities, two covered and two uncovered, was analysed for physical and chemical characteristics after storage for up to 12 mo. Significant differences (P<0.05) were identified for all parameters across the four sites, except for pH, but there were no consistent differences that correlated with uncovered or covered storage conditions. The content of nitrogen (N) and manganese (Mn) was significantly lower in uncovered SMS, while the content of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) was significantly higher. The chemical nitrogen-phospous-potassium (NPK) fertiliser equivalent value of SMS, when applied at a rate of 10 t/ha, was between €105 and €191 per hectare. Nitrogen-phospous-potassium concentrations per kg wet weight were all higher in SMS that was stored under cover, meaning higher chemical fertiliser savings are possible. The high pH of stored SMS (7.8–8.1) means it could be used with good effect on acid soils instead of ground limestone. The low bulk density of SMS (0.545–0.593 g/cm3) makes it an ideal amendment to soils to improve soil structure and quality. There is some variability in the nutrient content of SMS from different sources, so it is advisable to get the material analysed when including in nutrient management plans.

Assessment of the impact of spent mushroom substrate on biodiversity and activity of soil bacterial and fungal populations based on classical and modern soil condition indicators

“…The application of organic materials in the form of spent mushroom substrate and manure initially stimulated the abundance of the analyzed bacterial and fungal groups (except cellulolytic bacteria). The available literature indicates that spent mushroom substrate is a waste material rich in organic matter and various macro-and micronutrients (Becher et al, 2021;Velusami et al, 2021). Furthermore, reported that the application of spent mushroom substrate, especially in the long term, increased the organic matter content in the soil.…”

The Content, Uptake and Bioaccumulation Factor of Copper and Nickel in Grass Depending on Zinc Application and Organic Fertilization

“…At the same time, Wuana and Okieimen [59] reported that Cu is added to livestock fodder as a growth promoter, which may result in an increase in its content in animal waste and in the biomass of fertilized crops. Velusami et al [60] tested the fertilizer value of mushroom substrates and showed that they are a valuable source of macro-and microelements, including Cu, for plants. The correlation coefficients indicate that the increase in Cu accumulation by cocksfoot under the influence of chicken manure, bovine manure and mushroom substrate is associated with stimulation of yield by these fertilizers, discussed in a previous paper [48].…”

Effects of Agricultural Management of Spent Mushroom Waste on Phytotoxicity and Microbiological Transformations of C, P, and S in Soil and Their Consequences for the Greenhouse Effect

“…Due to growing environmental concerns, the proper disposal and handling of excess SMS accumulation are essential. Current research has clearly indicated that, due to its high fertilizing value, agricultural application is the most efficient method for SMS recycling [7][8][9][10]. SMS is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients that is readily available to plants [8,11,12].…”