Summary
This review article, published in Bioengineered (Taylor & Francis), examines the potential of spent mushroom substrate — the lignocellulosic residue remaining after mushroom cultivation — as a soil amendment to improve fertility and stimulate beneficial microbial communities. Drawing on case studies and experimental literature from multiple countries, the paper likely synthesises evidence on how SMS application influences soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, and microbial diversity. The work contributes to growing interest in closed-loop agricultural systems that repurpose agri-food waste streams as bioresources.
UK applicability
Whilst the primary evidence base is international, the findings are broadly applicable to UK horticulture and arable contexts, particularly given the UK's policy interest in circular bioeconomy, reduced synthetic fertiliser dependency post-Brexit, and sustainable soil management under the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme framework.
Key measures
Soil organic matter content; soil microbial biomass and diversity indices; available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; soil pH; crop yield or growth parameters (where reported)
Outcomes reported
The study likely assessed the effects of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) application on soil physicochemical properties, nutrient availability, and soil microbial diversity and abundance. It may also have evaluated crop growth responses and the role of SMS in supporting circular bioeconomy approaches to waste valorisation.
Topic tags
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