Composting of Spent Mushroom Substrate and Winery Sludge

ABSTRACT

Production of mushrooms and wine has a very significant economic impact on the Region of La Rioja (Spain). A direct consequence of these activities is the production of large volumes of agricultural wastes. Since composting may be a viable alternative means to reduce the environmental problems currently associated with the management of these residues, this article reports the results that have been obtained from the composting of two types of spent mushroom substrate and winery sludge. The characteristics of the final product indicated that this combination of residues results in an organic material that is suitable for application to crops.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank the “Consejería de Turismo, Medio Ambiente y Política Territorial del Gobierno de La Rioja” for the pilot plant offered to research compost and the analytical services of its regional laboratory.