MUSHROOM CULTIVATION ON SPENT BIOMASS FROM BIOGAS PLANTS

Mushroom cultivation on spent biomass feedstocks from biogas plants is an attractive option to utilize the residual lignin and cellulosics t o create cash flow from the use of biogas plants and make their use an d operation lucrative in villages. The cultivation of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus flabellatus, on spent biomass feedstock from biogas plants has been shown to be feasible in this study. The substrate preparation techniques as well as the nature of biomass feedstock used for biogas ification are shown to have a marked influence on mushroom growth and yields. The greater availability of protein in spent biomass feedstock and straw mixture appears to be responsible for over 150% increase in mushroom yields and therefore is an attractive area for further inves tigations.