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

Abstract

The reuse of sun mushroom post-harvest areas (SMS) presents an innovative alternative for smallholders seeking to move away from conventional maize cropping systems and reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This study evaluated the growth of two successive maize crops in post-harvest areas while assessing drivers of yields and soil/leaf macronutrient composition. Four management practices were carried out: SMS, without the application of synthetic fertilization; SMS + S, with the application of synthetic fertilization recommended at sowing; SMS + S + TD, with the application of synthetic fertilization at sowing and topdressing; and Control, a common area with the application of synthetic fertilization. Agronomic aspects and macronutrients soil and leaf contents were evaluated in two successive maize crops in post-harvest areas. Different management practices adopted in the sun mushroom post-harvest areas did not significantly differ between yields in the first crop. SMS provided an increase in P, Ca, and Mg in the soil for the first crop and an increase in P and Ca for the second crop, indicating mineralization of the SMS. Nevertheless, the macronutrient content was reduced in the successive crops without sowing and topdressing fertilization (SMS + S + TD), indicating a dependence on synthetic fertilizers in intensified systems. Despite a nutritional limitation of the Ca: Mg/K ratio, SMS results in a maize yield comparable to the control in the first crop. The application of N in these areas was crucial for the second crop.