The Growth Response and Nutritional Status of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Planted in Soil Incorporated with Oyster Mushroom Waste

Abstract

Waste disposal has become primary concern in mushroom industry as it can lead to various environmental issues without proper waste management. Most of the mushroom grower are unaware of the utilization of organic waste as soil amendment which have been proven to improve the soil properties, growth performances and yield of various crops if conducted properly. This study intended to determine the growth response and nutritional status of eggplant by utilizing the oyster mushroom waste (OMW) as part of the growing medium. The experiment design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and the treatments involved were: T1 (100% Topsoil), T2 (90% Topsoil + 10% OMW), T3 (70% Topsoil + 30% OMW) and T4 (50% Topsoil + 50% OMW). The study showed that there was a significant difference on soil properties which is determined by the soil moisture content and soil pH value between treatment where p<0.0.5. The utilization of OMW in treatment showed to had a higher nutrient content (%) in both soil and plant and recorded to had better yield performances in eggplant cultivation, as it increases the eggplant yield by 30%-50%. Thus, mushroom waste can potentially be reutilized to avoid environmental problems while improving the growth and yield of eggplant.