SMS has several uses, including:

Manure preparation

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be recycled to prepare manure. The SMS can be converted into an enriched compost by supplementing it with easily available forms of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus sources. This enriched compost can be used for nursery and polyhouse crops. The process of preparing manure from SMS involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Mix the SMS with other organic materials such as cow dung, poultry manure, and green leaves.
• Add nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus sources to the mixture.
• Keep the mixture in a moist environment for 2-3 weeks.
• Turn the mixture every 3-4 days to ensure proper aeration.
• After 2-3 weeks, the manure is ready to use ¹.

Disease management

SMS can be used in disease management in crop plants. The SMS contains beneficial microorganisms that can suppress plant pathogens. The process of using SMS for disease management involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Mix the SMS with soil or other organic materials.
• Apply the mixture to the soil around the plant roots.
• The beneficial microorganisms in the SMS will suppress plant pathogens ¹.

Reclamation of abandoned sites

SMS can be used in the reclamation of abandoned sites. The SMS contains high levels of organic matter and nutrients that can improve soil fertility. The process of using SMS for reclamation of abandoned sites involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Mix the SMS with soil or other organic materials.
• Apply the mixture to the abandoned site.
• The high levels of organic matter and nutrients in the SMS will improve soil fertility ¹.

Preparation of briquettes

SMS can be used in the preparation of briquettes for their use in boilers. The SMS contains high levels of lignin, which is a natural binder. The process of preparing briquettes from SMS involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Dry the SMS to reduce its moisture content.
• Grind the SMS to a fine powder.
• Mix the SMS powder with a binder such as starch or molasses.
• Press the mixture into briquettes.
• The briquettes can be used as fuel in boilers ¹.

Feed for animals

SMS can be used as feed for animals and as feeding material for vermicomposting and biogas production. The SMS contains high levels of protein and fiber, which makes it a nutritious feed for animals. The process of using SMS as feed for animals involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Mix the SMS with other animal feed ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran.
• Feed the mixture to the animals.
• The SMS can also be used as feeding material for vermicomposting and biogas production ¹.

Bioremediation

The SMS of button, oyster, paddy straw, and shiitake mushrooms can be used for bioremediation of chemically polluted sites. The SMS contains microorganisms that can break down organic pollutants. The process of using SMS for bioremediation involves the following steps:

• Collect the SMS after the harvest of mushrooms.
• Mix the SMS with soil or other organic materials.
• Apply the mixture to the polluted site.
• The microorganisms in the SMS will break down the organic pollutants ¹.

Mulching

Mushroom compost can be used as a mulch and soil conditioner. Spread a 5cm deep layer of mushroom compost over the surface of the soil in spring. If spreading it on vegetable beds, leave for a week after application before sowing seeds ¹.

Vermicomposting

Mushroom compost can be used as worm bedding in a vermicomposter. The microorganisms in the mushroom compost will help break it down. The resulting worm castings work well as a healthy soil additive for your flower beds and vegetable gardens. Vermicomposting your mushroom compost reduces salt levels and adds more beneficial nutrients to your soil