Utilization of spent mushroom wastes as an alternative to use of inorganic fertilizer

Abstract

ABSTRACT If produced in large quantity, spent mushroom wastes/compost (SMW/SMC) could constitute an environmental problem due to its leachate contaminating surface and groundwater. It could be re-used as soil amendment due to its rich nutrient composition. The suitability of SMC derived from sawdust cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus K. for production of Celosia argentea L. in pots (5 kg of topsoil, 1:1 top soil by weight and 5 kg of SMC alone (corresponding to 0, 5 and 10 t∙ha−1, respectively); sole SMC and 100 kg∙ha−1 NPK as control) and field trials (0, 5, 10, and 15 t∙ha−1, with NPK at 60 kg∙ha−1 as control) were examined. The top soil used was of the Alfisol group of the basement complex which is locally classified as Ibadan series. Yield increased significantly with increase in SMC rates in pot and field-trials, relative to control, indicating SMC derived from sawdust cultivation of P. ostreatus as a potential fertilizer.