MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Mushroom Cultivation in the Circular Economy

Summary

This research explores how the waste material left over from mushroom farming (called spent mushroom substrate or SMS) can be reused in various beneficial ways instead of being discarded. The study shows that SMS can be valuable for multiple applications that support environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Impacts on everyday life: • SMS can be used as an organic fertilizer for gardens and farms, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers • The material can be transformed into eco-friendly packaging and building materials, offering alternatives to plastic • It can be converted into biofuel, providing a renewable energy source • SMS can supplement animal feed, potentially reducing feed costs for farmers • The waste heat and CO2 from mushroom production can help grow plants in greenhouses more efficiently

Background

Commercial mushroom production has increased rapidly in recent decades, with the global market reaching $63 billion in 2013. Mushrooms are produced on lignocellulose waste streams like straw, sawdust and wood chips, converting low-quality materials into high-quality food. This process generates large amounts of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) that has traditionally been considered waste.

Objective

This review examines the various applications of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) to promote transition to a circular economy, analyzing how SMS can be repurposed sustainably rather than treated as waste.

Results

The review found multiple viable applications for SMS including: use as high-quality compost improving soil structure and crop yields; substrate for growing additional mushroom species; animal feed supplement showing some positive effects on growth and health; source material for packaging and construction; feedstock for biofuel production yielding up to 187g ethanol per kg; and source of valuable enzymes for industrial applications.

Conclusion

SMS has significant potential in supporting circular economy initiatives but requires quantitative models to predict environmental impact and economic viability. The most sustainable application depends on geographical location and local resources. Integration with agricultural and horticultural systems could improve efficiency, such as using SMS-generated CO2 and heat for greenhouse plant growth.
  • Published in:Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00253-018-9226-8
Scroll to Top