Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview
Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of mushroom cultivation, has emerged as a promising feedstock for biochar production, offering a sustainable solution to modern agricultural and environmental challenges. This review explores SMS properties, its conversion into biochar, and...
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| author | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat Wassana Kamopas Pimsiri Tiyayon Rotsukon Jawana Orlavanh Xayyavong Saisamorn Lumyong |
| author_facet | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat Wassana Kamopas Pimsiri Tiyayon Rotsukon Jawana Orlavanh Xayyavong Saisamorn Lumyong |
| author_sort | Worawoot Aiduang |
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| description | Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of mushroom cultivation, has emerged as a promising feedstock for biochar production, offering a sustainable solution to modern agricultural and environmental challenges. This review explores SMS properties, its conversion into biochar, and its various applications. Due to its lignocellulosic structure, high organic matter (OM), and essential nutrients, SMS is ideal for pyrolysis, a process that enhances biochar’s porosity, nutrient retention, and carbon stability. These properties improve soil fertility, water retention, microbial activity, and plant growth while also contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. SMS-derived biochar stands out for its superior benefits, including a balanced pH, a rich nutrient profile, and the ability to adsorb heavy metals, which mitigates soil and water contamination and minimizes toxic risks in the food chain. By enhancing soil structure, nutrient cycling, and moisture retention, SMS-derived biochar supports sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical fertilizer use and boost climate resilience. Beyond soil applications, SMS-derived biochar is effective in wastewater treatment, mitigating plant diseases, and improving mushroom cultivation substrates, thereby enhancing mycelial growth and productivity. Economically, it is a cost-effective alternative due to the abundant availability and inexpensive nature of SMS. Nevertheless, challenges still exist, particularly in optimizing production methods and ensuring consistency in biochar properties, influenced by variations in pyrolysis conditions and SMS types. Advances in production technology and sustainable practices are vital for scaling up SMS-derived biochar production. This paper emphasizes the transformative potential of SMS-derived biochar, advocating for its integration into circular economy frameworks and sustainable agricultural systems. Recommendations for future research and policy support are provided to maximize the ecological and economic benefits of SMS-derived biochar, fostering its widespread adoption in global agricultural and environmental strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ff0c926f74004a2ca6dde10d1d92edc6 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj-art-ff0c926f74004a2ca6dde10d1d92edc62025-08-20T02:04:06ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-02-0115231710.3390/life15020317Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive OverviewWorawoot Aiduang0Kritsana Jatuwong1Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat2Wassana Kamopas3Pimsiri Tiyayon4Rotsukon Jawana5Orlavanh Xayyavong6Saisamorn Lumyong7Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandOffice of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandMultidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandSchool of Agricultural Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, ThailandEnergy Research and Development Institute-Nakornping, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandSpent mushroom substrate (SMS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of mushroom cultivation, has emerged as a promising feedstock for biochar production, offering a sustainable solution to modern agricultural and environmental challenges. This review explores SMS properties, its conversion into biochar, and its various applications. Due to its lignocellulosic structure, high organic matter (OM), and essential nutrients, SMS is ideal for pyrolysis, a process that enhances biochar’s porosity, nutrient retention, and carbon stability. These properties improve soil fertility, water retention, microbial activity, and plant growth while also contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. SMS-derived biochar stands out for its superior benefits, including a balanced pH, a rich nutrient profile, and the ability to adsorb heavy metals, which mitigates soil and water contamination and minimizes toxic risks in the food chain. By enhancing soil structure, nutrient cycling, and moisture retention, SMS-derived biochar supports sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical fertilizer use and boost climate resilience. Beyond soil applications, SMS-derived biochar is effective in wastewater treatment, mitigating plant diseases, and improving mushroom cultivation substrates, thereby enhancing mycelial growth and productivity. Economically, it is a cost-effective alternative due to the abundant availability and inexpensive nature of SMS. Nevertheless, challenges still exist, particularly in optimizing production methods and ensuring consistency in biochar properties, influenced by variations in pyrolysis conditions and SMS types. Advances in production technology and sustainable practices are vital for scaling up SMS-derived biochar production. This paper emphasizes the transformative potential of SMS-derived biochar, advocating for its integration into circular economy frameworks and sustainable agricultural systems. Recommendations for future research and policy support are provided to maximize the ecological and economic benefits of SMS-derived biochar, fostering its widespread adoption in global agricultural and environmental strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/2/317SMS biochar potentialcarbon sequestrationsoil amendmentsustainable agriculturesustainable development goals (SDGs) 2 and 15 |
| spellingShingle | Worawoot Aiduang Kritsana Jatuwong Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat Wassana Kamopas Pimsiri Tiyayon Rotsukon Jawana Orlavanh Xayyavong Saisamorn Lumyong Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview Life SMS biochar potential carbon sequestration soil amendment sustainable agriculture sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2 and 15 |
| title | Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview |
| title_full | Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview |
| title_fullStr | Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview |
| title_short | Spent Mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar and Its Applications in Modern Agricultural Systems: An Extensive Overview |
| title_sort | spent mushroom substrate derived biochar and its applications in modern agricultural systems an extensive overview |
| topic | SMS biochar potential carbon sequestration soil amendment sustainable agriculture sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2 and 15 |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/2/317 |
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