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Evaluation of Waste Paper for Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) with Some Added Supplementary Materials

Summary

This research explored using waste paper as a growing medium for oyster mushrooms, providing both an environmental and economic solution. The study found that waste paper, when mixed with corn stalk and wheat bran, can successfully grow mushrooms with yields comparable to traditional methods. Impacts on everyday life: – Offers a practical way to recycle waste paper into valuable food products – Provides an economical method for small-scale mushroom farming – Helps reduce environmental waste while producing nutritious food – Creates potential business opportunities for local communities – Demonstrates sustainable ways to convert waste into food resources

Background

Mushroom cultivation is an economically viable biotechnology process for converting lignocellulosic wastes. Oyster mushrooms are among the easiest and least expensive commercial mushrooms to grow, known for converting crop residues to food protein. They serve as a potential source of income, alternative food production, employment, and agricultural waste recycling. In Ethiopia, mushroom cultivation is still a young project and not widely expanded across the country.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the suitability of waste paper supplemented with corn stalk and wheat bran for oyster mushroom cultivation. The research sought to find alternative locally available substrates for mushroom growing, as traditional substrates like wheat straw and rice straw are primarily used as animal feed in Ethiopia.

Results

Higher mean weight (26.20g), pileus diameter (7.90cm), total yield (646.4g) and biological efficiency (64.64%) were obtained from waste paper (50%) supplemented with cornstalk (25%) and wheat bran (25%). The lowest biological efficiency (17.92%) was obtained from waste paper alone (100%). The highest mean stalk length (3.88cm) was achieved with waste paper (50%) supplemented with corn stalk (50%).

Conclusion

Waste paper supplemented with corn stalk and wheat bran resulted in high biological efficiency and total yield comparable to traditional substrates. The study demonstrates that waste paper can serve as a promising alternative substrate for oyster mushroom cultivation when properly supplemented. This approach offers both an eco-friendly waste management solution and an economically viable method for mushroom production.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13568-020-0945-8
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