Expanding the valorization of waste mushroom substrates in agricultural production: progress and challenges

Abstract

Waste mushroom substrate (WMS) generated in large quantities from mushroom production process has caused severe environmental pollution. As a sustainable resource, the valorization of WMS in the agricultural field has attracted attention due to the abundant active components. A comprehensive review of valorization of WMS in agricultural production is meaningful to promote the further utilization of this resource. This paper provided an overview of the valorization in sustainable agricultural production using WMS, including animal and crop farming improvement, and agricultural environmental restoration. Moreover, the limitations and the possible development directions of WMS in agricultural production were discussed. Different sustainable cycle models for WMS in agricultural production were proposed. The aim of this review is to provide a feasible solution for the favorable treatment of WMS and improvement of agricultural production quality.

Keywords: Agricultural environmental restoration; Agricultural production; Animal breeding; Crop cultivation; Recycling; Waste mushroom substrate.