Feasibility Study on Utilizing Spent Mushroom Substrate as a Growing Medium for Chili Seedlings
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Abstract
Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a waste material from the mushroom cultivation industry that increases annually. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing SMS from mushroom farms in Pathum Thani Province as a growing medium for chili (Capsicum frutescens L., cv. Super Hot 2) seedlings compared with peat moss and mixed soil. Nine growing media groups, including seven SMS samples from different farms in Pathum Thani Province, mixed soil, and peat moss, were analyzed for physical, chemical, biological properties, and heavy metal contents. These materials were then used to grow chili seedlings. Data on germination rate, root length, seedling height, number of leaves, and fresh weight were collected. Results showed that SMS had physical properties similar to peat moss but had higher pH (7.74-8.53), lower nitrogen content (0.48-0.69%), and higher C:N ratio (58:1-124:1) than peat moss. The germination rate of SMS-grown seedlings ranged from 78.3 -95.0%, lower than peat moss (96.7%, p<0.05) but still within acceptable levels. Seedling growth parameters (root length 3.97-4.48 cm, seedling height 3.86-4.60 cm, number of leaves 0.88-1.02 leaves/plant, and fresh weight 0.70-0.89 g/20 plants) were significantly lower than those of peat moss (p<0.05) but did not differ from mixed soil. Heavy metal contents in all growing media were low compared with Thai soil standards. The findings demonstrate that SMS from Pathum Thani Province has potential as a component of growing media for chili seedlings with improvements in chemical properties. Utilizing this waste material could reduce production costs and support sustainable agriculture systems in the future.
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King Mongkut's Agricultural Journal
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