Circular alternatives to peat in growing media: A microbiome perspective

Peat use in horticulture is associated with a large ecological footprint. the predominant growing media Europe. Modern cropping systems rely heavily on dynamic interactions of crop microorganisms and yet, search for sustainable peat-alternatives, microbiome has often been ignored. In mushroom cultivation, peat prime determinant productivity, form casing soil which supplies beneficial microbes. this study we describe microbial composition, interactions, activity four circular substrates used to proportionally replace media. We also evaluate various physico-chemical characteristics peat-alternatives. characterize impact sanitary pre-treatments such as steaming acidification well agronomical performance peat-reduced found that grass fibres from agricultural residue streams, peat-moss farmed degraded peatlands, spent recycled previous cultivation cycles can be successfully moss were expectedly similar physical, chemical, microbiological properties. However, had unique characteristics, high organic matter content, low water holding capacity diverse competitive microbiome. Pre-treatment by significantly affected microbiome, reduced presence pests, pathogens fungi Strong trade-offs existed between productivity disease pressure system, are governed composition Knowledge accessibility, sustainability, economic viability these peat-alternatives will further determine transition away towards