Carbohydrate Composition of Compost During Composting and Mycelium Growth of Agaricus bisporus
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2014-01-30
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Summary
This research examined how plant materials break down during the composting process used to grow commercial mushrooms. Scientists analyzed the complex carbohydrates present in compost to understand how they change during different stages of composting and mushroom growth. Impact on everyday life:
• Helps optimize commercial mushroom production to meet growing consumer demand
• Provides insights for reducing agricultural waste through better composting
• Contributes to understanding sustainable farming practices
• Could lead to improved efficiency in mushroom farming operations
Background
The worldwide production of white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus relies on compost made from wheat straw, horse and chicken manure. The composting process aims to break down plant cell wall matrix to facilitate monosaccharide release for mushroom growth. Understanding the carbohydrate structures and changes during composting is important for optimizing mushroom production.
Objective
To determine the composition of compost after three composting phases and during mycelium growth, with focus on analyzing carbohydrate structures present. This knowledge can help improve mushroom production yield and reduce spent compost amounts.
Results
At the beginning of composting, carbohydrates made up 34% of dry matter, decreasing to 27% after 16 days of mycelium growth. Analysis showed mainly cellulose and poorly substituted xylan chains were present in similar ratios across all phases. Xylan solubility increased 20% during mycelium growth, indicating partial degradation of the xylan backbone. Carbohydrate degradation occurred throughout the process by both bacteria and fungi.
Conclusion
The xylan present in all compost phases was poorly substituted with no changes in substituent amounts observed. The high pH conditions likely removed ester-linked acids, making xylans more susceptible to enzyme degradation. Carbohydrate degradation appeared uniform, affecting both substituents and xylosyl residues.
- Published in:Carbohydrate Polymers,
- Study Type:Laboratory Analysis,
- Source: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.09.050