Spent Pleurotus substrate as organic fertilizer to improve yield and soil fertility: the case of baby leaf lettuce production
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
article
Volume
105
Issue
11
Start Page
5874
End Page
5886
Abstract
Spent mushrooms substrate is the most important waste generated by edible mushrooms industry and can be re-used as organic fertilizer, following sustainable production principles. In the present study, Spent Pleurotus substrate (SPS) was used for organic fertilization of baby leaf production during two consecutive cycles (1st: October to December; 2nd: December to March) using two variety of lettuce (Doge and Imperiale). Different amounts of SPS in a mix with chemical fertilizers were applied: 100% SPS to fulfil the N needs of the crop and 50% of mineral N (T100 + 50), 200% SPS to fulfil the double N needs (T200) and 200% SPS to fulfil the N needs of the crop and 50% of mineral N (T200 + 50). SPS treatments were compared with an unfertilized control (T0) and chemical fertilization treatments. The crops coverage, Soil Plant Analysis Development index (i.e. SPAD) and yield were monitored during each cycle and soil samples were analysed to observe the effect of SPS on soil fertility.