Dynamics of the Chemical Composition and Productivity of Composts for the Cultivation of Agaricus Bisporus Strains

Author: mycolabadmin
2014-03-10
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Summary

This research investigated how different types of agricultural compost and mushroom strains affect the production of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The study found that using oat straw-based compost with a specific mushroom strain (ABI-07/06) produced the best results. This has practical implications for mushroom farmers and the agricultural industry. Impacts on everyday life: • More efficient mushroom production could lead to lower consumer prices • Better understanding of composting techniques benefits sustainable agriculture • Improved use of agricultural waste products through composting • Enhanced food security through optimized mushroom cultivation • Economic benefits for mushroom farmers through increased yields

Background

Composting is crucial for mushroom cultivation, requiring proper nutrient balance especially for carbon and nitrogen. Various compost formulations can be used for A. bisporus production, with ‘synthetic’ composts being popular in Brazil due to reduced need for expensive manure or animal litter. These typically use straws like wheat, rice, brachiaria and oat combined with sugarcane bagasse and supplemented with cereal bran.

Objective

To evaluate production metrics (basidiomata mass, productivity, biological efficiency) and chemical characterization of composts based on brachiaria and oat straw during cultivation of three A. bisporus strains (ABI-07/06, ABI-05/03, and PB-1). The study aimed to understand how different fungal strains influence compost chemical composition and mushroom yields.

Results

The oat-based compost showed higher averages for organic matter and carbon content. Nitrogen content increased in phases II and III compared to phase I. The pH decreased significantly in brachiaria compost during phase II. Ash content increased while raw fiber content decreased during cultivation. Both composts showed reductions in hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose contents over time. Strain ABI-07/06 and oat-based compost demonstrated the best production performance.

Conclusion

Based on both chemical characteristics and production metrics, the oat-based compost combined with A. bisporus strain ABI-07/06 provided optimal performance for mushroom cultivation compared to other tested combinations.

Published in:Brazilian Journal of Microbiology,
Study Type:Experimental Research,
Source: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000400016