Mushroom Compost Research Articles

Interactions between nitrogen release from organic fertilisers and organic horticultural soils

Mushroom compost has been one of the most commonly used fertilisers in organic greenhouse vegetable production in Iceland. However, mushroom compost contains conventional chicken manure. Therefore, the use of this fertiliser is prohibited in organic horticulture. In search of alternative nutrient resources, nine different substitutes for mushroom compost (plant compost, four composted animal manures, fishmeal, white clover residues, coarse meal of faba beans, ‘Pioner complete 6-1-3®’) were tested on two soils differing in organic matter in a pot experiment. Dry matter yield (DM) and the apparent N utilisation with the model plant perennial ryegrass was quantified in five cuts throughout 131 days. Both the DM yield and the apparent N utilisation was influenced by the fertiliser, the soil and their interaction. The N release of the tested alternative organic fertiliser resources was described by the N content and C:N ratio of the fertilisers, but was also affected by the soil. It was concluded that the composted animal manures provided an N release equal to mushroom compost and could therefore act as substitutes.

Exergy Analysis of Recycled Cooling System in a Process: A Case Study

Heat pumps are devices those allow to use the energy available in nature but cannot be used because of its low temperature. By raising its temperature, heat pumps do this with a cooling cycle similar to that of air conditioners. This study presents the performance analysis of an in-room heating system during mushroom compost fermentation using a heat recovery device with an air source heat pump, which is a type of heat pump. The study was carried out by setting up experimental equipment and providing measurement-based parameters in the university laboratory. The performance analysis of the system was calculated by considering all system elements (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve etc.) and the results were evaluated numerically. Performance analysis was made according to whether a heat pump is used in the system. Based on the results obtained by these calculations, when heat recovery device is added to the system, the work done by the compressor, loss of exergy, exergy balance and efficiency decrease. While the exergy balance of the condenser decreases, its efficiency increases. Also, while the exergy balance of the expansion valve increase, its efficiency decreases. Overall, the efficiency of the device increases.

The Predation Behaviour of Fictor composticola on Parasitic Nematodes of Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus

In this study, the predation behaviour of male and female predatory nematode, Fictor composticola, was studied on five prey nematode species, Aphelenchus avenae, Aphelenchoides swarupi, Ditylenchus myceliophagus, Bursilla sp. and Panagrolaimus sp., found in the white button mushroom compost. The period of the study is of six months. The data recorded on number of encounters, part of the body of prey attacked, stage of the prey attacked, duration of feeding etc. The strike rate and prey susceptibility were calculated. The average number of encounters on all the five preys done by female F. composticola was 3.0 and that of the male was 6.0. Male F. composticola had more number of encounters on the prey nematode species than the females. Both the sexes preferred juvenile stages over adults as prey. The most attacked part by both females and males predator, was the posterior part of the prey body. In 80% of cases, female predators fed on the first encountered prey while males attacked the first encountered prey in 30% of cases only. The strike rate of female F. composticola was more (78.6%) than the male (48.2%). Mycophagous nematodes were more susceptible to predator’s attack than the microbivorous nematodes. The strike rate of the predator on different prey nematode species was found more on mycophagous nematodes than on microbivorous nematodes and minimum on Panagrolaimus sp. The average feeding duration of female F. composticola was 8 min and 31 sec and in the case of males it was 4 min and 11 sec.

Biosorption of Copper(II) and Iron(II) using Spent Mushroom Compost as Biosorbent

The application of the biosorption process and agricultural waste to treat heavy metals has drawn much attention. This method seems to be a more economical, environmentally friendly, and simple way for removing heavy metals from effluents. The study was conducted to explore the efficiency of the biosorption process utilizing spent mushroom compost to remove copper (II) and iron (II) from synthetic wastewater. Biosorption studies at different operating parameters, such as biosorbent dosage (1.0 – 5.0 g), pH (pH 4 – 8), contact time (1 - 30 minutes), and initial heavy metal concentration (10 - 100 mg/L), were conducted in batch experiments. The highest performance for copper (II) and iron (II) biosorption was found at 5.0 g biosorbent dosage of spent mushroom compost, unadjusted pH 6, 10 minutes of contact time, and 10 mg/L of initial concentration. The study was well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.95) for copper (II) and iron (II) biosorption, which are much greater compared to the Freundlich model. The study is also very well suited to the pseudo-second-order (R2 > 0.999) than the pseudo-first-order kinetic models. In conclusion, the spent mushroom compost has the potential to be an effective biosorbent for removing copper (II) and iron (II) from synthetic wastewater.

Energy Potential of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Fiber from Subsequent Cultivation of Volvariella volvacea (Bull.) Singer

EFB and EFB-based mushroom compost (SMC) from Volvariella volvacea cultivation is a promising energy feedstock because it has adequate nutrient quality. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) and calorific value (CV) of this biomass are investigated. Other analyses such as proximate, compositional, and final analysis; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are also performed. The biomass samples consist of two types of EFB, namely fibers (F) and pellets (P) and SMC from the subsequent cultivation of Volvariella volvacea, with samples FS and PS from the first cultivation and FS2 and PS2 from the second cultivation. P produces the highest biological efficiency (BE) of 28% compared to 9.83% for F. Subsequent cultivation with FS and PS then produces only 2.9 and 6.83% of BE. A higher amount of methane is measured in samples P and PS2, while better biodegradability is observed in PS2 and FS2, suggesting that subsequent cultivation is a good pretreatment of the substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD). CV is highest in F (20.57 MJ/kg), followed by P (19.06 MJ/kg), which is comparable to commercial wood pellet. Samples F, FS, and FS2 have higher ash content, which is due to higher mineral content. The cellulose composition is reduced to almost 50% during cultivation due to fungal metabolism, which is also evidenced by FTIR analysis. TGA analysis revealed that EFB-based SMC exhibits higher weight loss during combustion compared to EFB, which reduces its thermal properties. SMC of EFB is a high potential biomethane feedstock, but not recommended as a fuel pellet.

Nematicidal activity of the Lentinula edodes’ spent mushroom compost

The mushroom Lentinula edodes, known as shiitake, has the potential to control plant diseases. However, there is no work that mentions the nematicidal activity of the SMC from shiitake. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nematicidal potential of L. edodes spent mushroom compost (SMC) on Panagrellus spp. SMC action on Panagrellus spp. larvae was evaluated in Petri dishes containing 2% water-agar (WA2%). In comparison to the control group, the number of intact larvae in the group treated with SMC of L. edodes was significantly (p<0,01) reduced by 77, 73, 71% after 24, 48 and 72 exposure period respectively. The current study presents the possibility of using an agroindustrial residue (SMC) of low cost to control nematodes. SMC has nematicidal activity and may in the future be beneficially used in other sustainable approaches.

Application of Modified Spent Mushroom Compost Biochar (SMCB/Fe) for Nitrate Removal from Aqueous Solution.

The public is already aware that nitrate pollution caused by nutrient runoff from farms is harmful to aquatic life and human health, and there is an urgent need for a product/technology to solve this problem. A biochar adsorbent was synthesized and used to remove nitrate ions from aqueous media based on spent mushroom compost (SMC), pre-treated with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and pyrolyzed at 600 °C. The surface properties and morphology of SMCB/Fe were investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of main parameters such as the adsorbent dosages, pH of the solutions, contact times, and ion concentrations on the efficiency of nitrate removal was investigated. The validity of the experimental method was examined by the isothermal adsorption and kinetic adsorption models. The nitrate sorption kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-second-order model, with a higher determination coefficient (0.99) than the pseudo-first-order (0.86). The results showed that the maximum percentage of nitrate adsorption was achieved at equilibrium pH 5–7, after 120 min of contact time, and with an adsorbent dose of 2 g L−1. The highest nitrate adsorption capacity of the modified adsorbent was 19.88 mg g−1.

Easy and effective analytical method of carbendazim, dimethomorph, and fenoxanil from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis using LC-MS/MS.

Traditionally in Korea, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (white-spotted flower chafer) has been used as a medicine, and recently has attracted increased attention due to its antithrombotic efficacy. Some of spent mushroom compost or fermented oak sawdust, a feedstock for P. brevitarsis, were contaminated with three fungicides, carbendazim, dimethomorph, and fenoxanil, which could be transferred to the insect. This study was aimed to optimize a simple extraction method combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and apply it to the real samples. After the pulverized samples (5 g) were extracted with acetonitrile (10 mL) and formic acid (100 μL), fat and lipids in the samples were slowly precipitated at -20°C for 24 hours. After eight different clean-up methods were investigated, the mixture of 150 mg MgSO4/25 mg PSA/25 mg C18 was selected due to optimal recovery of the target compounds. Recovery (77.9%‒80.8% for carbendazim, 111.2%‒116.7% for dimethomorph, and 111.9%‒112.5% for fenoxanil) was achieved with reasonable relative standard deviation (<5.5%) The analytical method developed in this study was used to analyze three compounds in the 24 insect samples donated by the insect farm owners but no target compounds were detected. These results can provide important data for establishing the pesticide safety standards for P. brevitarsis before the medical applications.

The Importance of Extraction Protocol on the Analysis of Novel Waste Sources of Lignocellulosic Biomass

As the utilization and consumption of lignocellulosic biomass increases, so too will the need for an adequate supply of feedstock. To meet these needs, novel waste feedstock materials will need to be utilized. Exploitation of these novel feedstocks will require information both on the effects of solvent extraction on the succeeding analysis of potential novel feedstocks and how accurate current methodologies are in determining the composition of novel lignocellulosic feedstocks, particularly the carbohydrate and lignin fractions. In this study, the effects of solvent extraction on novel feedstocks, including tree foliage, tree bark and spent mushroom compost, with 95% ethanol, water and both sequentially were examined. Chemical analyses were carried out to determine the moisture content, ash, extractives, post-hydrolysis sugars, Klason lignin (KL) and acid-soluble lignin (ASL) within the selected feedstocks. The result of extraction could be seen most strongly for Klason lignin, with a strong association between higher levels of Klason lignin levels and greater amounts of non-removed extractives (tree foliage and bark). Higher Klason lignin levels are reported to be due the condensation of non-removed extractives during hydrolysis, hence the lower Klason lignin determinations following extraction are more exact. In addition, total sugar determinations were lower following extractions. This is because of the solubility of non-cell-wall carbohydrates; thus, the determinations following extraction are more accurate representations of structural cell-wall polysaccharides such as cellulose. Such determinations will assist in determining the best way to utilize novel feedstocks such as those analyzed in this work.

Effects of Repeated Application of Organic Soil Amendments on Horticultural Soil Physicochemical Properties, Nitrogen Budget and Yield

Application of organic amendments to soil is commonplace in domestic gardening. However, a vast array of materials could be labelled as ‘compost’ by retailers and suppliers. We investigated six different amendments currently used, or available for use, in horticulture: composted bark, composted bracken, spent mushroom compost, composted horse manure, garden waste compost (at two different application rates), and peat. Using a controlled field experiment, we examined the physicochemical differences between the amendments, the subsequent effects on soil characteristics, and resultant yield and biometrics of Lavatera trimiestris. Amended soils resulted in a significantly different multivariate soil environment and N budget when compared to the unamended control. However, the effect on yield and plant biometrics (number of flowers, plant height, etc.) depended on the amendment used. Application of garden compost resulted in up to a five-fold increase in yield. However, there was no significant difference in yields in soils amended with composted bark or peat, when compared to the unamended control. This has implications, as there is increasing pressure to remove peat from products available to domestic gardeners. The variability in the different amendments investigated in our research, in addition to the variable effects on plant growth parameters, suggests that repeated use of a single amendment may not be best practise for gardeners.

Application of Fungus Enzymes in Spent Mushroom Composts from Edible Mushroom Cultivation for Phthalate Removal.

Spent mushroom composts (SMCs) are waste products of mushroom cultivation. The handling of large amounts of SMCs has become an important environmental issue. Phthalates are plasticizers which are widely distributed in the environment and urban wastewater, and cannot be effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment methods. In this study, SMCs are tested for their ability to remove phthalates, including benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). Batch experiments reveal that BBP, DBP, and DEP can be degraded by the SMC enzyme extracts of four edible mushrooms: Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Auricularia polytricha. Potential fungus enzymes associated with BBP, DBP, and DEP degradation in SMCs (i.e., esterases, oxygenases, and oxidases/dehydrogenases) are uncovered by metaproteomic analysis using mass spectrometry. Bioreactor experiments indicate that the direct application of SMCs can remove BBP, DBP, and DEP from wastewater, through adsorption and biodegradation. The results of this study extend the application of white-rot fungi without laccases (e.g., Auricularia sp.) for the removal of organic pollutants which are not degraded by laccases. The application of SMCs for phthalate removal can be developed into a mycoremediation-based green and sustainable technology.

Intestinal Microbiota, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Oxidative Status of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Mushroom Waste Compost By-Products.

Simple SummaryThis study investigated the effects of Pennisetum purpureum waste mushroom compost (PWMC) supplementation on microbiota, as well as its effects on the antioxidant capacities and inflammatory response characteristics of broiler chickens. Results showed that a 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC feeds could enhance the health of chickens by maintaining intestinal microbiota balance, improving antioxidant capacities, and decreasing inflammatory response. Supplementation also further increased the appetite of broilers, thereby improving their growth performances. Furthermore, the number of Lactobacillus also increased in the intestinal tracts. High-fiber mushroom waste compost effectively increased the mRNA expression of appetite-related genes in broilers. The broilers’ gut barrier function also increased, while the number of Turicibacter in the cecum decreased. It was concluded that a 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC could enhance intestinal health; therefore, it is recommended for the broiler chickens’ diet.This study investigated the effects of using mushroom waste compost as the residue medium for Pleurotus eryngii planting, which was used as a feed replacement; its consequent influence on broiler chickens’ intestinal microbiota, anti-inflammatory responses, and anti-oxidative status was likewise studied. A total of 240 male broilers were used and allocated to four treatment groups: the basal diet—control group (corn–soybean); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC (Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2 waste mushroom compost); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via FPW (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermented PWMC); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PP (Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2). Each treatment had three replicates and 20 birds per pen. The levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase mRNA as well as protein increased in the liver and serum in chickens, respectively; mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes were also suppressed 2 to 10 times in all treatments as compared to those in the control group. The tight junction and mucin were enhanced 2 to 10 times in all treatment groups as compared to those in the control, especially in the PWMC group. Nevertheless, the appetite-related mRNA levels were increased in the PWMC and FPW groups by at least two times. In ileum and cecum, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios in broilers were decreased in the PWMC, FPW, and PP groups. The Lactobacillaceae in the ileum were increased mainly in the PWMC and control groups. Overall, high-fiber feeds (PWMC, FPW, and PP) could enhance the broilers’ health by improving their antioxidant capacities and decreasing their inflammatory response as compared to the control. Based on the results, a 5% replacement of the soybean meal via PWMC is recommended in the broiler chickens’ diet.

Performance of lettuce plants under organic mulch and LEDs light colors

This study was performed out at net house, privet farm, Cairo-Alexandria desert road, 80 Km, to present the positive role of using different types of organic mulch; different LEDS (light-emitting diodes) light colors and their combination on lettuce plants as growth and yield. Three types of organic mulch i.e., (mushroom wastes, compost and palm fibers) compared to bare soil and four LEDs light colors i.e., (white, yellow, green and "red + blue + green") plus natural light. Seedlings of lettuce cv. Iceberg were transplanting at 1st November through 2019 and 2020seasons. The study was conducted in a split plot design with three replications. Results obtained that using different types of organic mulch, different LEDs light colors and their combination had a significant overall tested parameters (plant length, number of leaves/head, fresh and dry weights of leaves, leaves contents from N, P and K and total heads yield/m2). In general, cultivated lettuce plants with using different types organic mulch and different LEDs light colors enhanced all tested parameters compared to bare soil or/and natural light. The most positive role of tested factors was noticed with using compost mulch, LEDs "R + B+ G" colors and their combination as compost mulch plus LEDs "R + B+ G colors", which, had greatest values of all tested parameters more than other treatments.

Advantageous microbial community development and improved performance of pilot-scale field systems treating high-risk acid mine drainage with crab shell

Microbial communities are crucial to the effectiveness and stability of bioremediation systems treating acid mine drainage (AMD); however, little research has addressed how they correlate to system performance under changing environmental conditions. In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to characterize microbial communities within different substrate combinations of crab shell (CS) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) and their association with chemical performance in pilot-scale vertical flow ponds (VFPs) treating high risk AMD in central Pennsylvania over 643 days of operation. As compared to a control containing SMC, VFPs containing CS sustained higher alkalinity, higher sulfate-reducing rates, and more thorough metals removal (>90% for Fe and Al, >50% for Mn and Zn). Correspondingly, CS VFPs supported the growth of microorganisms in key functional groups at increasing abundance and diversity over time, especially more diverse sulfate-reducing bacteria. Through changing seasonal and operational conditions over almost two years, the relative abundance of the core phyla shifted in all reactors, but the smallest changes in functional gene copies were observed in VFPs containing CS. These results suggest that the high diversity and stability of microbial communities associated with CS are consistent with effective AMD treatment.

Improving the vermicompost quality by using horticultural and agronomic residues

Recycling of organic wastes through vermicompost production reduces the waste disposal into the environment and avoids the overusage of chemical fertilizers. The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of the raw materials in produced Vermicompost (spent mushroom compost, potato waste and pomegranatemeal + Sawdust, Choppered Corn) and their combination in a completely randomized design. After preparing vermicompost, the parameters, i.e., electrical conductivity, pH, organic carbon content, the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon/nitrogen ratio are measured. the vermicompost production process leads to a significant reduction in C/N, EC and pH. The lowest C/N was related to the vermicompost which is obtained from treatment pomegranate meal + Sawdust + spent mashroom compost waste. The obtained Vermicomposts included higher amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumin compare to the raw materials. The highest nitrogen content was related to spent mashroom compost + potato waste treatment. As a result, the production of vermicompost from organic wastes leads to an increase in the nutritional value of the fertilizer and eventually the fertility of the soil. In conclusion, the chemical fertilizers can be replaced as well, with the produced organic bio-fertilizer with the lowest cost.Thus problems associated by the use of chemical fertilizers, which today are one of the greatest environmental problems in the world, can be solved.

ALTERNATIVE SUBSTRATE USE IN SAGE TRANSPLANTS PRODUCTION (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.)

Mushroom production has become more popular in our environment. The most common cultivated mushroom is Agaricus bisporus. After mushrooms are harvested a large amount of used compost remains. This compost is a good material and producers used it as alternative substrate in plant production. The benefits of this compost are numerous like high content of organic matter and the rich mineral composition. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of spent mushroom compost (as alternative substrate) on growth and development of roots and above-ground parts of sage transplants (Salvia officinalis L.). Measurements of morphological parameters of plants (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and plant diameter) were performed, as well as determination of fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of transplants. Application of spent mushroom substrate in the production of sage Salvia officinalis L. positively influenced growth and development as well as fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of treated plants compared to nontreated plants during transplanting growing stage. Plant height (+104%), number of leaves (+65%), number of branches (+143%), plant diameter (89%), were significantly increased by the spent mushroom compost application compared to the control - commercial substrate.

Weed Occurrence in a Young Apple Orchard Mulched With Two Different Organic Materials

Abstract In this study, conducted at the Research Station of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland, we sought to determine the communities of weed species and their temporal occurrence in a young apple orchard mulched with spent mushroom compost or Miscanthus straw applied to tree rows. A herbicide fallow treatment was used as a control. During the first year of application, both organic mulches protected against the germination of weed seeds stored within the soil. In subsequent years, however, annual weeds occurred in the mulched tree rows, the most aggressive of which was Chenopodium album L. Annual increases in population densities were noted over the 4 subsequent years of research, particularly in the rows receiving spent mushroom compost. Perennial species in the family Poaceae and genus Malva were present in soil receiving both organic mulches. Trifolium repens L. was the perennial weed most often noted in the Miscanthus mulch, whereas Taraxacum officinale Web. was more characteristic of the spent mushroom compost. Commencing from the spring of the third year following apple tree planting, weed infestation associated with the spent mushroom compost was similar to that observed in the herbicide fallow, thus necessitating three annual applications of herbicide to further maintain the orchard. The insufficient weed suppression obtained with this mulch precludes its recommendation as an effective weed management system. Although Miscanthus straw provided extended tree row protection from weed infestation, herbicide intervention was also required. Notably, however, despite the fact that Miscanthus straw provided conditions more favorable to tree growth, apple tree yields and fruit quality tended to be similar under the three investigated orchard soil management systems.

The influence of soil amendments on a native wildflower seed mix in surface mine restoration

With a multitude of physical, biological, and chemical soil characteristics disrupted or degraded during surface mining, it is challenging to achieve proper reclamation, much less restoration, post‐mining. We sought to assess the potential of a native wildflower seed mix (NWSM) to establish and achieve high vegetative coverage in the first season using soil amendments. We also evaluated the influence of amendments on community composition and soil quality. In May 2018, we seeded a NWSM on a surface mine in experimental plots treated with either inorganic fertilizer, spent mushroom compost, or left untreated. Plant coverage and community composition within experimental plots were assessed in October 2018. Soil samples were collected at the beginning and end of the season to identify potential changes in organic carbon, nitrogen availability, bulk density, and pH. First‐season vegetation results indicate that soil amendments may not be ecologically necessary or economically sensible for initial revegetation using a NWSM. Unamended plots surpassed compost‐amended plots and equaled or surpassed fertilizer‐amended plots in coverage, species richness, and proportion of seedlings present that originated from the mix. However, results from soil analyses suggest that compost may be beneficial to meeting surface mine restoration goals by improving important soil characteristics, such as percent organic matter, labile carbon, nitrate content, and pH, that could aid ecosystem recovery. Given the high degree of heterogeneity both within and between surface mines, future work should focus on identifying initial soil characteristics that could enable land managers to meet both reclamation and restoration goals using a NWSM.

Additions of optimum water, spent mushroom compost and wood biochar to improve the growth performance of Althaea rosea in drought-prone coal-mined spoils

Ecosystem degradation as a result of coal mining is a common phenomenon in various regions of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid zones. The implementation of appropriate revegetation techniques can be considered crucial to restore these degraded areas. In this regard, the additions of spent mushroom compost (SMC) and wood biochar (WB) to infertile and degraded soils have been reported to enhance soil fertility and plant growth under water (W) deficit conditions. However, the combined application of W, SMC and WB to coal mine degraded soils, to promote Althaea rosea growth and facilitate subsequent restoration, has not been explored yet. Hence, in the current study a pot experiment was carried out by growing A. rosea on coal mine spoils to assess the influence of different doses of W, SMC and WB on its morpho-physiological and biochemical growth responses. The results indicated that several plant growth traits like plant height, root length and dry biomass significantly improved with moderate W-SMC-WB doses. In addition, the simultaneous application of W-SMC-WB caused a significant decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (by 7–56%), superoxide anion (O2●‒) (by 14–51%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (by 23–46%) and proline (Pro) contents (by 23–66%), as well as an increase in relative water content (by 10–27%), membrane stability index (by 2–24%), net photosynthesis rate (by 40–99%), total chlorophylls (by 43–113%) and carotenoids (by 31–115%), as compared to the control treatment. The addition of SMC and WB under low-W regime enhanced leaf water use efficiency, and soluble sugar content, also boosting the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase in leaf tissues, thus reducing the oxidative stress, as proved by low levels of H2O2, O2●‒, MDA and Pro contents. Finest growth performance under optimum doses of W (60% field capacity), SMC (1.4%) and WB (0.8%) suggest that revegetation of A. rosea with the recommended W-SMC-WB doses would be a suitable and eco-friendly approach for ecological restoration in arid degraded areas.

Determination of growth models in organic lettuce cultivation

The present study was conducted to determine the quantitative effects of light and temperature on growth of organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa). In order to create variations in lettuce cultivation, effect of two different wastes mushroom compost (Agaricus-AMS; Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus-AMS; Pleurotus ostreatus) and vermicompost applications were investigated. Plant height, number of leaves, crown diameter, chlorophyll content (CCL) and leaf stomatal conductivity were measured as quality parameters for the lettuces. Significant differences were observed in the quality parameters related to the organic fertilization. A mathematical model has been developed to estimate the number of days (harvest time) required to produce lettuce with variation values generated by different organic fertilization (r2=0.99).