Use of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) for Corn (Maize) Production and its Effect on Surface Water Quality

Abstract

Mushroom farmers have large quantities of spent mushroom substrate after their crops are harvested. This material is used for a variety of purposes including the growth of field crops. SMS was incorporated into a poor quality soil before planting 90-day corn. Field plots were established where spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was incorporated at 22.5, 45.0 or 90.0 kg m-1 , plus an untreated control on each of three years. Analysis of SMS indicates its nutrient level was 0.9-0.6-1.0 (N-P-K). Starter fertilizer was applied at planting along with an insecticide, but no herbicide. No additional fertilizer was used. Corn yields were significantly higher in SMS amended plots and the nitrogen content of both grain and stover was significantly higher than the control. Surface runoff water quality values from SMS amended soil were in the same range as those from the control treatments, the plots that received no SMS. Annual incorporation of up to 90 kg m-2 of SMS into land planted to corn did not degrade the quality of surface water. Nutrients were retained in the SMS soil matrix and were, apparently, used as nutrients by the corn plants. Surface runoff was very low in ammonia nitrogen, CBOD, and chlorides. Use of SMS as an exclusive soil nutrient/soil ameliorant in corn production resulted is exceptionally good yields and quality.Downloaded by [New York University] at 12:01 01 October 2015

Occurrence of estrogen hormones in biosolids, animal manure and mushroom compost

“…In Chester County, Pennsylvania, more than 460,000 m 3 (approximately 123,000 tons) of mushroom compost waste is generated annually and stockpiled in the area (Wuest et al 1994), and a total of 535,188 m 3 (approximately 200,000 tons) of mushroom compost waste is generated in Pennsylvania (American Mushroom Institute 2006; Donald et al 2004). Chester County accounts for 37% of the total US mushroom production (Spiro 2006).…”

“…Poultry and horse manure may contain high concentration of hormones. In southeast Pennsylvania, more than 600,000 cubic yards of spent mushroom compost (SMC) waste is stockpiled in the region annually (Wuest et al 1994) which can potentially contain low levels of natural estrogens.…”

Presence of steroid hormones and antibiotics in surface water of agricultural, suburban and mixed-use areas

“…After the growing cycle ends, the compost is discarded. More than 460,000 m 3 of compost waste from mushroom agriculture is generated annually in Chester County and stockpiled in the area (Wuest et al 1994). There are also many horse farms located in the area, and horse manure is known to be rich in estrogen hormones (Shore et al 2003).…”

Solute Release from Weathering of Spent Mushroom Substrate under Controlled Conditions

“…Improper disposal of this volume of organic waste may cause environmental problems such as air, water and soil pollution. Considering that its major ingredients include incompletely composted straw, hay, manure, gypsum and potash, SMS may be reused as potting soil, topsoil or soil amendments in agriculture, horticulture and ecosystem restoration (Stark and Williams 1994;Wuest et al 1995). However, a high salt content limits its suitability as a plant growth medium without dilution (Ciavatta et al 1993;Chong and Rinker 1994), and fresh SMS is usually stacked in the field for two years of weathering or "passive composting" to remove soluble salts prior to land application.…”