Spent mushroom substrates as component of growing media for lettuce seedlings

Abstract

Spent mushroom substrates (SMS) instead of peat for lettuce seedlings could reduce the costs of natural capital. SMS, peat and vermiculite were combined in various ratios. The effects of different mixed seedling substrates on lettuce seedling growth and nutrient content were investigated. The results show that, with increasing SMS content in mixed substrate, height, root length index of lettuce seedling increased, number of leaves was decreased, phosphorus and potassium content of lettuce seedlings was increased gradually. The root length, leaf number, shoots fresh weight, biomass of 50% SMS in mixed substrate was better than other treatments (T3). The above results indicate that SMS mixed substrate can improve the growth of lettuce seedlings, and 50% SMS in mixed substrate was suitable for lettuce seedlings.