Chemical, Physical and Microbiological Considerations in Recycling Spent Mushroom Substrate

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Abstract
Spent mushroom substrates (SMS) have traditionally been discarded as wastes, creating an environmental nuisance. In recent years, mushroom growers all over the world are facing increasing pressure of environmental legislation, giving rise to the need for a more suitable solution for the disposal of SMS. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for organic residues and composts, which could provide several potential outlets for SMS. Agriculture, horticulture, soil reclamation projects and projects for the purification of contaminated soil, water and air are examples of such outlets. Each demands its own specific properties for the organic product. These properties are defined by chemical, physical and biological parameters. SMS should be treated to suit the specific demand of each outlet. The manipulation of SMS, mainly by recomposting, could produce products with several advantages over other recycled wastes. Such products could be used successfully to solve agronomic or environmental problems, while generating more income for the mushroom growers.