Chen, et al (2024) Improving the Utilization of Flammulina velutipes Waste during Biochar-Amended Composting: Emphasis on Bacterial Communities. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051046

A recent study explored the impact of adding biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More to compost made from Flammulina velutipes waste and chicken manure. Researchers aimed to enhance compost quality by improving nitrogen conversion, humification, and the bacterial community. The compost mixture, consisting of a 4:6 ratio of chicken manure to mushroom waste, was treated with varying levels of biochar (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight).

The study found that biochar significantly improved compost maturity. It increased humic substances and facilitated the conversion of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) to nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), crucial for plant growth. As the biochar concentration increased, the diversity and abundance of the microbial community also improved. The predominant bacterial groups identified were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Gemmatimonadota, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidota being the most prominent.

Notably, biochar addition promoted the growth of thermophilic bacteria such as Bacillus, Actinobacteriota, Parapedobacter, and Sphingobacterium. These bacteria are essential for breaking down organic matter, enhancing the composting process, and increasing humus content.

This research highlights biochar’s potential to produce high-quality compost from mushroom waste and chicken manure. By balancing organic decomposition and humification, biochar-treated compost can significantly improve soil health and fertility, offering a sustainable solution for managing agricultural waste. These findings support the broader application of biochar in composting, benefiting both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.