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Spent casing, Sphagnum moss, grass fibers, and green compost as peat alternatives in casing soils for Agaricus bisporus cultivation

Summary

Button mushrooms are commonly grown on peat-based soil, but peat extraction damages important ecosystems. This study tested several alternative materials including spent mushroom substrate, moss, processed grass fibers, and compost as peat replacements. Researchers found that up to 75% of peat could be replaced with these alternatives while maintaining mushroom yield and preventing disease, offering promising sustainable options for commercial growers.

Background

Peat extraction for horticultural use threatens peatland ecosystems and carbon storage. The button mushroom Agaricus bisporus is commonly grown using peat-based casing soil to induce fruiting. Finding sustainable peat alternatives for mushroom cultivation is urgently needed.

Objective

To determine what percentage of peat can be replaced by spent casing, Sphagnum moss, grass fibers, and green compost in casing soils without negatively affecting mushroom yield, harvest properties, or disease suppressiveness against ginger blotch.

Results

Peat could be replaced up to 75% by Sphagnum moss or green compost without yield reduction. Spent casing and grass A tolerated 50% replacement, while unsteamed grass B reduced yield at 30% replacement. Moisture content at low suction pressure was the best yield predictor; steaming eliminated disease from unsteamed grass B.

Conclusion

Multiple peat alternatives can replace up to 75% of peat in mushroom casing without compromising yield or disease suppressiveness, offering promising sustainability options for commercial mushroom cultivation.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 41131166, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-20453-4
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