ENHANCED NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF COMPOST AND VERMICOMPOST DERIVED FROM SPENT MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO SOIL ENRICHMENT
Devendra Nirmalkar, Vijay Laxmi Naidu
Govt. V.Y.T. PG. Autonomous College, Durg (C.G.), India
Abstract: Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a nutrient-rich organic byproduct generated after mushroom cultivation. This study evaluates the macronutrient and micronutrient composition of compost and vermicompost derived from SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus, using different agricultural residues—paddy, soybean, and arhar (pigeon pea). The composting process was carried out over 120 days, followed by a 90-day vermicomposting phase using Eisenia foetida. Key physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu), were analysed. The results indicate that vermicompost exhibited significantly higher nitrogen (1.12%–1.40%), phosphorus (0.132%–0.442%), potassium (0.71%–0.82%), and micronutrient concentrations compared to compost. The highest nitrogen content was observed in paddy vermicompost (1.40%), while the highest phosphorus and potassium levels were found in soybean and arhar vermicomposts, respectively. Vermicomposting enhanced nutrient bioavailability, making it a superior soil amendment for sustainable agriculture. These findings highlight the potential of SMS-derived organic amendments in improving soil fertility and promoting eco-friendly waste management practices.
Keywords: Spent mushroom substrate, composting, vermicomposting, Eisenia foetida, nutrient composition, soil amendment, sustainable agriculture.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 02 2026: 192 – 206