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Effects of Spent Mushroom Substrate Treated with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Blueberry Growth and Soil Quality

Summary

This study shows that mushroom farming waste (spent mushroom substrate) can be recycled into a beneficial fertilizer by treating it with beneficial bacteria called plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. When this treated waste is used to grow blueberries, the plants grow better with higher survival rates and produce more chlorophyll. The treatment also improves soil quality by making nutrients more available to plants and changing the beneficial microorganism community in the soil.

Background

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a major byproduct of mushroom cultivation with abundant nutrients but limited bioavailability. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance plant growth and soil quality through nutrient mobilization and microbial interactions. This study investigates SMS treatment with PGPR as a sustainable approach for horticultural applications.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of PGPR-treated spent mushroom substrate on blueberry seedling growth, soil nutrient availability, and rhizosphere microbial community composition. The study aimed to develop a sustainable framework for SMS utilization and PGPR-based biofertilizer development.

Results

PGPR-treated substrates significantly increased survival rates (up to 80.76%), plant height, and chlorophyll content compared to controls. Treated substrates showed significantly higher total nitrogen (TN), hydrolysable nitrogen (HN), and available phosphorus (AP) levels. High-throughput sequencing revealed PGPR-driven shifts in bacterial and fungal community composition with altered alpha and beta diversity indices in the rhizosphere.

Conclusion

PGPR treatment accelerated SMS decomposition and improved blueberry growth when mixed with nutrient soil. The enhanced plant growth correlated strongly with increased soil nutrient availability and altered rhizosphere microbial communities. PGPR-treated SMS represents a sustainable, multifunctional alternative to conventional fertilizers for horticultural production.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13040932, PMID: 40284768
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