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Improving the Yield and Quality of Morchella spp. Using Agricultural Waste

Summary

Researchers tested whether recycling agricultural waste like spent mushroom compost, used tomato growing medium, and coconut shells could improve morel mushroom farming. Adding these waste materials significantly increased yields by three times or more while also improving the nutritional quality of the mushrooms. The waste materials changed the soil composition and beneficial microorganisms in ways that support better morel growth while reducing harmful fungi and environmental pollution.

Background

Morchella spp. is a valuable edible fungus whose cultivation faces challenges from intensive planting and cropping obstacles. Agricultural waste including tomato substrate, mushroom residues, and coconut shells offers potential as sustainable cultivation medium additives to improve yield and reduce environmental impact.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of agricultural waste additives on Morchella spp. yield, quality, and soil microbial communities. The study analyzed bacterial and fungal community composition, soil physiochemical properties, and fruiting body characteristics across different cultivation substrates.

Results

All agricultural waste additives significantly increased yield compared to control (mushroom residue: 5847.22 kg/ha, tomato substrate: 5266.23 kg/ha, coconut shells: 4210.28 kg/ha vs. control: 1463.06 kg/ha). Additives promoted early fruiting, increased polysaccharides and potassium content, decreased crude fat and fiber. Soil amendments enriched beneficial bacteria (Actinomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, Devosia, Bacillaceae) and reduced pathogenic fungi (Mortierella, Trichoderma).

Conclusion

Mushroom residues demonstrated superior nutrient enrichment and microbial regulation advantages, while tomato substrate and coconut shells represent effective alternative high-efficiency resources. All three waste materials improved Morchella cultivation through a physiochemical-microorganism collaborative pathway, offering sustainable production methods that reduce costs and environmental pollution.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Field Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 41149893, DOI: 10.3390/jof11100703
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