Influence of Biofertilizer-Inoculated Spent Mushroom Substrate Soil Amendments on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Development of Sorghum bicolor, Pennisetum glaucum, and Sesamum indicum
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Abstract
The mushroom cultivation industry generates enormous quantities of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a lignocellulosic by-product that poses significant environmental challenges when improperly disposed of. Despite being considered agricultural waste, SMS contains considerable amounts of organic matter, essential nutrients, microbial biomass, and partially degraded lignocellulosic materials that can be reutilized for sustainable agricultural production. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of biofertilizer-enriched SMS as a soil amendment for improving seed germination, seedling vigour, and growth performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and sesame (Sesamum indicum). Spent mushroom substrate was collected from mushroom waste disposal sites in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Beneficial microorganisms including phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), Azospirillum, and Trichoderma spp. were isolated and utilized for biodegradation and enrichment of SMS. The enriched substrate was incorporated into soil at different treatment levels and evaluated through pot experiments. Germination percentage, seedling vigour index, chlorophyll content, root growth, and shoot growth were monitored at regular intervals. Results indicated that microbial enrichment significantly enhanced the agronomic value of SMS by accelerating decomposition and increasing nutrient availability. Germination percentage increased progressively across all treatments, reaching near-complete germination by the fifteenth day. Enhanced seedling vigour, greater chlorophyll content, and improved root and shoot growth were observed in SMS-treated plants compared to untreated controls. The improvement in crop performance was attributed to enhanced nutrient availability, improved soil structure, increased microbial activity, and better moisture retention. The findings demonstrate that biofertilizer-enriched SMS can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers while simultaneously addressing the environmental challenge of mushroom waste disposal. The study highlights the potential of converting agricultural waste into value-added biofertilizer products that contribute to soil health improvement, sustainable crop production, and circular bioeconomy development.
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