Mushroom Compost Research Articles

Influence of spent mushroom compost on crop productivity

As development of mushroom industry in Russia is growing, and the amount of spent mushroom composts is increasing, they are actively used as organomineral fertilizers for agricultural crops. Therefore, from the rather large problem of storing waste composts, these fertilizers began to be in great demand in the agricultural industry. Organic fertilizers are characterized by a high percentage of nutrients. They are able to improve physical properties of soil by increasing aggregative stability and reducing soil density. Organic fertilizers improve biological and biochemical properties of soil, and positively affect the development of soil microbial community. In the experiments, the content of nutrients in fresh compost and compost after one year of storage averaged: ash content - 8.0 and 74.1 %; organic matter - 66.3 and 25.9 %; NPK (%) - 0.50, 0.63, 0.44 and 0.45, 0.51, 0.39, respectively, under a favorable soil acidity (pH 8.0-7.3). In studies carried out on dark grey forest soils of the Ryazan region, the maximum productivity of agricultural crops was noted in variants with application of half-ripened compost: the yield of spring wheat was 2.82 t/ha (+ 0.23 t/ha compared to the control); spring barley - 3.21 t/ha (+0.17); spring rapeseed - 1.77 t/ha (+0.24); potato cv. Vympel - 27.91 (+ 4.41); potato cv. Kolobok - 11.21 t/ha (+1.63); pea - 2.10 t/ha (+0.21). The high efficiency of spent mushroom composts as fertilizers for increasing yields of spring barley and wheat, spring rapeseed, potatoes and peas was confirmed.

Removal of Cu and Zn from mine water using bench-scale bioreactors with spent mushroom compost: a case study in an abandoned mine region, South Korea

Removal of Cu and Zn from mine water using bench-scale bioreactors with spent mushroom compost: a case study in an abandoned mine region, South Korea

Isolation of Lead Resistant Bacteria from Spent Mushroom Compost and Their Impact on Growth and Biochemical Parameters of Safflower

Spent mushroom compost (SMC) is a favored waste because of its nutrients for plant growth and useful microbial communities. The aim of this study was to isolate the lead resistant bacteria from SMC and to evaluate the effects of SMC extract on the growth and biochemical parameters of safflower under lead stress including fresh and dry weights, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, and enzymatic activities. Four bacterial strains including Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus aerius, and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans were identified in the SMC extract; from which B. licheniformis offer the most resistance to lead. The highest total chlorophyll content of the plant was seen by treatment with 100mM lead; the highest carotenoid content observed by treatment with 100mM lead in association with 10% and 5% SMC extract; and the highest increase in protein content was seen in the presence of 5% SMC. The safflower seeds germination was reached the highest level in the presence of 20% SMC extract associated with 50 and 100mM lead. The highest dry weights of the plant roots (33%) and stems (85%) were shown in the presence of 100mM lead in association with 5% SMC extract. The highest antioxidant enzymes activity was seen by polyphenol oxidase (0.135 OD/min/mg) in the presence of 100mM lead in association with 10% SMC extract. It is concluded that by induction of lead bioremediation via improving lead resistant bacterial communication, and the addition of 10-20% SMC extract to the agricultural soil, safflower may undergo the lead stress.

The cumulative effect of spent mushroom compost on some chemical properties of the soil under potato cropping conditions

Abstract. This work was carried out in the summer of 2020 to take an advantage of the spent mushroom compost SMC for the potato cropping and improving soil fertility towards reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which are commonly used in the traditional methods of growing potatoes, and considered as a source of contamination of the groundwater and streams and raise the cost of production. This experiment was designed by the application of SMC in the cultivation of potato crop var. Spunta, in the bedding medium, at increasing gradual rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, v/v), to be compared with soil and organic manure mixed with chemical fertilizers as an ideal treatment. The effect of the above-mentioned levels of SMC on soil fertility was very clear, where the results did not show any negative impact on soil properties in spite of its high recorded salinity (EC1/1 = 9.53 dS.m -1) and tended to retain soil fertility through increasing its contents of organic matter OM and nutrients before and after potato crop cultivation. The lowest level of compost 25% SMC, increased the concentration of OM in the soil to 18.4% compared with 4.5% in the control, and raised N concentration in the soil from 0.3% in the control to 1.8% in the treatment 100% SMC before planting. The cumulative effect of OM in the soil after harvest has risen from 3.3% in the control to 12.6% in the treatment 25% SMC, and N content from 0.15% for the control to 1.05 % for treatment 100% SMC. But the cumulative effect for available P in the soil was not positive because of lime effect and consumption in the growth and production process. Also, K did not show a clear cumulative effect because of the richness of the soil before and after planting and its high ability for loss in the organic soil by leeching.

Biostimulation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Using Organic and Inorganic Amendments.

The most common approaches for the in-situ bioremediation of contaminated sites worldwide are bioaugmentation and biostimulation. Biostimulation has often proved more effective for chronically contaminated sites. This study examined the effectiveness of optimized water hyacinth compost in comparison with other organic and inorganic amendments for the remediation of crude oil-polluted soils. Water hyacinth was found to be rich in nutrients necessary to stimulate microbial growth and activity. An organic geochemical analysis revealed that all amendments in this study increased total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) biodegradation by ≥75% within 56 days, with the greatest biodegradation (93%) occurring in sterilized soil inoculated with optimized water hyacinth compost. This was followed by polluted soil amended with a combination of spent mushroom and water hyacinth composts (SMC + WH), which recorded a TPH biodegradation of 89%. Soil amendment using the inorganic fertilizer NPK (20:10:10) resulted in 86% TPH biodegradation. On the other hand, control samples (natural attenuation) recorded only 4% degradation. A molecular analysis of residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) showed that the 16 PAHs designated by the US EPA as priority pollutants were either completely or highly degraded in the combined treatment (SMC + WH), indicating the potential of this amendment for the environmental remediation of soils contaminated with recalcitrant organic pollutants.

The use of developed mushroom compost in crop cultivation technology

The scientific work analyzes experimental data on the cultivation of potatoes and rapeseed using elements of biologization in conditions of Ryazan region. Two-year studies have been carried out to study the effect of developed mushroom compost on the yield of potato tubers and rape of various varieties cultivated on dark gray forest soils of Ryazan region. The use of spent mushroom compost is a promising technique that allows to increase the productivity of crops and obtain environmentally friendly products. When cultivating potatoes and spring rape, first, bare fallow was used as a precursor, and then the introduction of 84 t/ha of fresh mushroom compost for the main processing of potatoes and 80 t/ha for spring rape, immediately after harvesting mushrooms in the form of developed blocks. In the second option, 95 t/ha of mushroom compost was used for potatoes and 89 t/ha was used for spring rape, after a year of storage of spent mushroom blocks. As a result of the use of two types of mushroom compost, the foliage of plants improved: on average, the largest increase in leaves was obtained in the option with fresh compost. Its use immediately after harvesting mushrooms exceeded the control by 12.8%, and the use of compost after a year of storage caused 7.6% increase. The highest average marketability of tubers for all varieties was noted in the option with fresh mushroom compost and averaged 80.8% for all varieties, which was 9.1% more than the control. The productivity of spring rape seeds increased when using mushroom compost as a fertilizer. The introduction of fresh compost under the main tillage increased the rape productivity by 2.9 dt/ha, and rotted compost by 1.9 dt/ha compared with the control. For all varieties of potatoes, the yield with fresh mushroom compost increased by 37.8 dt/ha or 20.1% compared to the control, and for the variant after a year storage of mushroom compost, the yield increased by 23.8 dt/ha or 11.3 %.

Effect of spent mushroom compost and farm yard manure on growth and yield parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

Effect of spent mushroom compost and farm yard manure on growth and yield parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

Combustion and Emission Analysis of Spent Mushroom Compost and Forestry Woodchip for Management and Energy Production

Forestry woodchip and spent mushroom compost have commercial potential as sustainable residues in biological and chemical processes for energy production. This study focuses on the evaluation of agri-food industry waste energy valorization, with the aim to reduce the valuable biomass utilization for energy production without decreasing the process quality, thereby pursuing economic and environmental advantages. Burning trials were conducted in a fluidized bed biomass plant provided with emission abatement systems. The biomass mixture used for combustion was composed of pine and oak woodchip and spent mushroom compost. The biomass used was first characterized through compositional and energetic analysis, and subsequently, during the burning tests, a monitoring sampling campaign was carried out to analyze the gas and particles emission. Optimal combustion conditions were observed during combustion, with good oxidation of the organic material, relatively high CO2 production, and low CO concentration in flue gas. Nevertheless, SO2 concentrations in the combustion flue gas are greater than those found in the combustion of the most commonly used biomasses. In fact, the mixture compositional characterization revealed a non-negligible concentration of sulfur, which explains the high values of SO2 detected in emission. The obtained results confirm that controlled combustion, together with suitable biomasses utilization, preliminary characterization, and emission monitoring, are essential practices for the realization of a sustainable process, both from an energy and environmental point of view.

The influence of compost amendments on bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements by pea plant cultivated in mine degraded soils

Potential toxic metal (PTE) accumulation in soil and water is one of the major sources of food crop contamination. PTE remediation from soil can be enhanced by the addition of organic matter to the growing media. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different organic amendments on the accumulation of PTEs in pea plant grown on mine degraded soils. Mining soils from chromite mine (CM), soap stone mine (SSM), manganese mine (MM), and quartz mine (QM) were mixed with vermicompost (VC), leaf mould (LC), and spent mushroom compost (SMC) along with garden soil at 1:1:1 ratio. Various growth and yield-related attributes of pea plant as well as PTE concentrations in soil and plants were studied. The highest Cd (2.62 mg kg−1) and Cr (13.6 mg kg−1) concentration was reported in CM soil, while Pb (23.3 mg kg−1) and Mn (59.2 mg kg−1) concentration in SSM and MM soil, respectively. Mining soils significantly reduced the plant growth and yield, while organic amendments reduced the PTE availability and increased pea plant growth. Comparing the various organic fertilizers used, it was observed that VC efficiently reduced Cd, Cr, Pb, and Mn uptake by pea plant, subsequently, improved pea plant growth and productivity. In order to assess the effects of various amendments on PTE health risk reduction, various risk indices including plant tranfser factor, average daily intake, health risk, target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk were also calculated and the results revealed that application of compost particularly VC significantly reduced the dietary intake and health risks of PTEs.

Growth and Biochemical Composition of Microgreens Grown in Different Formulated Soilless Media.

Microgreens are immature young plants grown for their health benefits. A study was performed to evaluate the different mixed growing media on growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant activities of four microgreen species: namely, kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa), and pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). The growing media were T1.1 (30% vermicast + 30% sawdust + 10% perlite + 30% PittMoss (PM)); T2.1 (30% vermicast + 20% sawdust + 20% perlite + 30% PM); PM was replaced with mushroom compost in the respective media to form T1.2 and T2.2. Positive control (PC) was Pro-mix BX™ potting medium alone. Root length was the highest in T1.1 while the shoot length, root volume, and yield were highest in T2.2. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of Swiss chard grown in T1.1 was the highest, followed by T2.2 and T1.1. Pak choi and kale had the highest sugar and protein contents in T2.2, respectively. Consistently, total phenolics and flavonoids of the microgreens were increased by 1.5-fold in T1.1 and T2.2 compared to PC. Antioxidant enzyme activities were increased in all the four microgreens grown in T1.1 and T2.2. Overall, T2.2 was the most effective growing media to increase microgreens plant growth, yield, and biochemical composition.

Effect of composting and vermicomposting on potentially toxic element contents and bioavailability in sewage sludge digestate

Vermicomposts and composts prepared from sewage sludge digestate and additives (spent mushroom compost, straw, biochar) after 43 days pre-composting followed by 90 days vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida or by compost maturing were investigated regarding the potentially toxic element (PTE) As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn contents. The average increment in the total PTE concentration for the entire process was ten times higher (104 %) compared to the increment solely in the composting or vermicomposting (9.3 and 9.5 %, respectively) after pretreatment. Compared to the untreated digestate the As and Co concentrations in the final mixtures were 26 and 51 % higher, respectively while for the other PTEs 26 ± 9 % average decrease was observed. Total PTE content was the same in composts and vermicomposts. Average PTE bioavailability (water soluble/total concentration) was statistically the same in vermicomposts (2.5) and composts (2.7), but lower in mixtures with biochar (2.5) than without it (2.8).

Spent mushroom compost for germination and growth of Ricinus communis L.

Objective: To determine the response of castor oil seeds and seedlings to six different substrata: regional soil (sandy-clay-loam), sand, spent mushroom compost (CAC), and mixes of CAC with 50% (A1:CAC1), 66% (A1:CAC2), and 33% (A2:CAC1) sand. Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental design consisted of two randomized complete blocks with 24 experimental units per substratum, monitored from their germination until 50 days later. Seed weight was correlated with the final seedling biomass. Results: The best germination (P < 0.05) was obtained with the A2:CAC1 and A1:CAC1 substrata, while regional soil had the lowest germination. CAC produced the highest growth and biomass in 50-day-old plants (P < 0.05), followed by A1:CAC2, A1:CAC1, and A2:CAC1, while regional soil and sand had the lowest development. Seed weight had a statistically positive correlation (P < 0.05) with seed biomass only in the sandy substratum. Study Limitations/Implications: The experimental period and pod size limited the achievements of this research. Findings/Conclusions: Independently of seed weight, CAC, and mixes with sand provide suitable texture and nutrient contents for castor oil seedling's germination and growth.

Soil Fertility, Growth, Yield and Root Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

ABSTRACT Radish is a popular root vegetable grown worldwide and young fresh tender tuberous roots can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. The haphazard use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates fertility and productivity of soil. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, bio fertilizer with inorganic fertilizers and influence on growth, yield, quality, and soil health. This study was carried out on radish cv. Japanese white with 13 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. Soil quality was increased in terms of availability of N(Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium) to the tune of 15.17, 18.66 and 13.0%, respectively by integrated module 90% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + 10% SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) + FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + AZB (Azotobacter) + PSB (Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria). Application of 90% Recommended dose of Fertilizers +10% Spent Mushroom Compost + Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteriarecorded maximum number of leaves (15.68), leaf size (21.01 x 9.88 cm), root size (18.80 x 2.86 cm), root weight (130.42 g), root yield (341.68q/ha) while, 60% Recommended dose of fertilizers +40% Spent Mushroom Compost+ Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria proved best for quality attributes. Increase in yield under T6 was to the tune 11.44% over standard practices. Our findings of integrated nutrient management approaches may effectively address the present notion of “farming for health” to maintain soil health for sustainable crop production.

Growth and Yield of Kale, Swiss chard, Amaranth, and Arugula microgreens in response to different growing medium substrates

Microgreens are relatively novel food with high nutrition and dietary benefits that can be influenced by the growing medium. Two experiments were performed to develop an optimum media for microgreensfrom kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), Swiss chard (Betavulgaris var. cicla), arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa), and amaranth (Amaranthus tricolour L.). Experiment 1 was screening of media T1 = 30% vermicast + 40% sawdust + 30% perlite; T2 = 30% vermicast + 50% sawdust + 20% perlite; T3 = 50% vermicast + 30% sawdust + 20% perlite; T4 = 30% vermicast + 40% sawdust + 30% mushroom compost; T5 = 30% vermicast + 20% sawdust + 20% perlite + 30% mushroom compost; and a negative control (NC) = 50% sawdust + 50% mushroom compost. The positive control was Promix BX™ potting mix alone. Experiment 2 was to test the efficacy of two different sources of mushroom compost (White oyster mushroom compost (MC1) and Shiitake mushroom compost (MC2)) added to media T1 to T5 above. The results showed that the media physicochemical properties varied across treatments. Higher chemical parameters were obtained for T4, T5, and media containing MC1. Porosity and water retention were increased in media containing MC2 compared to the other.Seed germination, plant height, and microgreen yield were statistically (P>0.05) enhanced by T2 and T4 that contained MC2 compared to the rest. Microgreens yield was approximately three times higher in T2 and 4 with added MC2, except the yield of arugula which was two times higher in these media compared to the control. Overall, T5 alone, and T2 and T4 with added MC2 were the most effective media for microgreen production. Future studies will assess microgreens’ nutrients in different media.

Mechanism of Lead-zinc Enrichment and Resistance of Spent Mushroom Compost to Lead-Zinc Slag in Koelreuteria paniculata

Phytoremediation is an ecological technique for tailing area restoration; adding substrate modifiers can reduce the stress of heavy metals on plants and enhance the restoration efficiency. The woody plant Koelreuteria paniculata was used as a test plant and potted in 100% tailings (S), 90% tailings+5% mushroom residue (SMC)+5% CaCO3 (MS), and natural red soil (RS). The effects of physiological responses and tolerance enrichment effects on Pb and Zn tolerance in K. paniculata under different treatments were investigated to compare the growth morphology, microscopic morphological changes, and microbial diversity changes in each substrate of K. paniculata seedlings. The results showed that compared with the control group S, the MS treatment group could significantly improve the structure and fertility of the tailing substrates; significantly enhance the relevant physiological indicators such as biomass, plant height, and chlorophyll content of K. paniculate; and increase the accumulated heavy metal content in K. paniculata. In the treatment group, the overall physiological indexes of MS compared to RS biomass and plant height were promoted, and the total root length increased up to 69.3%, whereas the average root diameter of RS in the treatment group decreased 118.7% compared to that in the control group S. The MS treatment group showed a 266.67% increase in Pb and Zn residue state, a significant decrease in the weak acid extractable state and oxide-bound state compared to that in the control group S. The heavy metals were less active for plant migration. Furthermore, most of the heavy metals were trapped in the roots of K. paniculata, and the changes in its root conformation indicated its strong adaptability in the face of high Pb stress. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that the higher concentration of heavy metals in the S control damaged the cell wall structure and caused toxic effects on plant cells. The addition of the modifier effectively alleviated the effects of heavy metal stress on various tissues of K. paniculata, affected the structure of microbial communities, significantly increased microbial richness and diversity, and enhanced the adaptability of K. paniculata to heavy metals and phytoremediation ability.

Biorecovery of olive mill wastewater sludge from evaporation ponds.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) resulting from the olive oil extraction process is usually disposed of in evaporation ponds where it concentrates generating a sludge that pollutes the ponds nearby area. In this study, four bio-treatments were applied for the in-situ bioremediation and valorization of OMW sludge: Landfarming, phytoremediation, composting and vermicomposting. In all cases, the OMW sludge was added with organic residues (mushroom compost, rabbit manure, and chicken manure). The bio-treatments were carried out in duplicate, inoculated and non-inoculated, to determine the effect of a specialized fungal consortium (Aspergillus ochraceus H2 and Scedosporium apiospermum H16) on the efficacy of the bio-treatments. The evaluation of chemical parameters, toxicity, and functional microbial biodiversity revealed that the four techniques depleted the toxicity and favored the stimulation of functional microbiota. Landfarming and phytoremediation allowed the decontamination and improvement of soils. Composting and vermicomposting also offered high-quality products of agronomic interest. Inoculation improved the bioremediation effectiveness. Biological treatments are effective for the safe recovery of contaminated OMW sludge into high-quality services and products.

Effect of Spent Mushroom Compost of Pleurotus eous Strain P-31 on Growth Performance and Nodulation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.).

This study investigated the influence of spent mushroom compost (SMC) of Pleurotus eous strain P-31 on the growth, development and soil rhizobial population associated with nodulation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) black-eye variety, under greenhouse conditions at 28 ± 2ºC for 12 weeks. Sandy loam soil was combined with different percentages of SMC to obtain the following combinations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 100%). Lower concentrations, SMC (5%-25%) promoted plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b as well as dry matter accumulation of shoot and roots after 12 weeks at 28°C-32°C. Soil: SMC concentrations beyond 30% SMC variably depressed the various developmental criteria used in assessing growth. The trend obtained in the assessed parameter were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) in decreasing order: 5% SMC < 10% SMC < 15% SMC, < 20% SMC, < 25% SMC, < 30% SMC, < 100% SMC. The cowpea plant efficiently assimilated nitrogen (N2) from the soil: compost. Nodule formation by cowpea was commensurate with increasing percentage of spent compost was highest in 5% SMC (89/plant) and declined with increasing proportion of SMC: soil mixture up to 25% but nodulation of cowpea plant was completely depressed in the absence of soil (100% SMC) pots. The Nodule Index data showed that the best nodule size and weight were formed by cowpea growing in medium containing 5% SMC (18) and 10% SMC (12) and thereafter declined. The nodules were red to pinkish in colour epitomising leghaemoglobin which could initiate nodulation and N2 fixation in soil. This study has shown that 5% SMC-20% SMC could provide favourable conditions in soil as a biofertiliser to improve the growth, development and nodulation of cowpea.

Dynamics of microbial community and enzyme activities during preparation of Agaricus bisporus compost substrate

Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are grown commercially on a specialized substrate that is usually prepared from wheat straw and poultry manure in a microbially-mediated composting process. The quality and yield of the mushroom crop depends critically on the quality of this composted substrate, but details of the microbial community responsible for compost production have only emerged recently. Here we report a detailed study of microbial succession during mushroom compost production (wetting, thermophilic, pasteurization/conditioning, spawn run). The wetting and thermophilic phases were characterized by a rapid succession of bacterial and fungal communities, with maximum diversity at the high heat stage. Pasteurization/conditioning selected for a more stable community dominated by the thermophilic actinomycete Mycothermus thermophilus and a range of bacterial taxa including Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis and other Proteobacteria. These taxa decreased during spawn run and may be acting as a direct source of nutrition for the proliferating Agaricus mycelium, which has previously been shown to use microbial biomass in the compost for growth. Comparison of bacterial communities at five geographically separated composting yards in south-eastern Australia revealed similarities in microbial succession during composting, although the dominant bacterial taxa varied among sites. This suggests that specific microbial taxa or combinations of taxa may provide useful biomarkers of compost quality and may be applied as predictive markers of mushroom crop yield and quality.

Bioreactor media for treatment of slag leachate

Blast furnace slag (BFS) used in the road construction as base/subbase materials leads to leachate problems under poor drainage conditions. The BSF leachate is a source of high pH, sulfur, and dissolved solids which will be affected to surrounding ecosystem. A column experiment was performed to evaluate the treatment of BFS leachate by media commonly used in passive treatment systems. The treatment efficiency of column media was assessed for inorganic (gravel and limestone) and organic (peat and mushroom compost) with zero-valent iron (ZVI). Columns were dosed with experimentally generated BFS leachate and operated under residence times of 7 and 14 days. The column depths of 45 cm and 75 cm allowed for determination of the role of anoxic conditions in the transformation, precipitation, and adsorption of dissolved constituents. The organic treatments were more effective for reducing pH, TDS, sulfate, and total sulfur. Mushroom compost, with ZVI and a residence time of 14 days, was the most effective matrix for the removal of sulfate (67%), and total sulfur (72%). Peat treatments resulted in the lowest pH at 6.34; however, concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, and Mn were elevated. Organic biofilters utilizing sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and ZVI may prove to be useful for treating BFS leachate and other sources of sulfur and TDS pollution.

Preliminary Study of &lt;i&gt;Pleurotus ostreatus&lt;/i&gt; (Jacq.) P. Kumm. Spent Mushroom Compost as Nutrient Supplement on the Shoot Induction of Fig Tissue Culture

Spent mushroom compost is identified as waste substrate. As the mushroom agriculture industry is growing rapidly, the production also increases and contributes to large amounts of spent mushroom compost annually. The conversion of spent mushroom compost as waste to wealth is a great concept that can give value to agricultural industry and solid waste management of mushroom cultivation. The use of SMC as nurient supplement may reduce the production cost for in vitro culture of fig plant. This research is to study the use of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. spent mushroom compost (SMC) as a nutrient supplement of the media in shoot induction of fig plant. Nodal segment of fig’s stem was cultured in MS media supplemented with different concentrations of SMC. With presence of SMC, 10% SMC have the highest shoot proliferation (2.167 ± 1.169) and length of shoot (0.154 ± 0.060 cm). The study revealed that in presence of 10% of SMC could produce new shoots at a frequency which was comparable to the control (p&lt;0.05; n=3; Tukey’s multiple range test). Among the different media combinations of plant growth regulators with SMC, 15 μM Kinetin with 10% SMC is the most effective treatment which gave maximum number of shoot proliferation (3.00 ± 1.27). 30 μM IAA with 10% SMC media have the highest leaves regenerated which were 1.33 ± 0.84. In conclusion, the SMC added in media for plant tissue culture had positive effect on shoot induction thus highlighted the potential of waste substrate of SMC to act as nutrient supplement for plant tissue culture.