Reuse of post-culture mushroom substrate in horticultural seedbeds

The agronomic use of mushroom post-harvest substrates (SPCHs) in horticultural seedbeds could be an interesting alternative for the reuse these wastes line with European circular economy strategy. This work evaluates potential four treatments different SPCHs, (-Ch), (-St), compost (-CO), and a mixture (SPCH-Ch SPCH-St) as lettuce chili pepper seed germination. trial was carried out germination chamber using commercial control treatment. evaluation based on its chemical (salinity, N C content), physical (bulk real density, porosity water retention) plant effect (germination biomass) characteristics. Of properties studied, high salinity SPCH-Ch SPCH-CO limiting factor development species evaluated (electrical conductivity 1:2.5; p/v; ~11 dS m-1), low percentages were observed. Regarding properties, retention, SPCH-CO, SPCH-St presented some values outside optimal range established substrates. In case SPCH-St, C/N ratio limitation supplying to crop. relation biomass production (aerial root) pepper, all obtained similar mixed treatment highest values, significantly higher general, proved best seedbed.