Project
BIOSCHAMP
Mushrooms are grown on compost made from natural manure, straw and lime, on which a layer of casing soil consisting mainly of peat has been applied. Peat is extracted from fields in Germany or Eastern Europe, resulting in the loss of vulnerable natural areas with high biodiversity. The extraction and transport of peat releases a lot of CO2.
A peat-free casing soil for the mushroom industry is being developed within BIOSCHAMP based on:
- residual products from agriculture and nature management (crop residues, clippings)
- the use of sphagnum moss (peat moss) grown on degraded peat fields or
- by reusing fully grown casing soil
By adding already selected bio stimulants to the newly composed casing soil, it is ensured that production and the income of the mushroom grower are maintained and that the mushroom remains protected against pathogens that come with the casing soil. This is expected to limit the use of fungicides in particular. The use of alternative raw materials and bio stimulants is calculated based on economic feasibility and environmental impact.
By using locally produced residual products from agriculture and nature management, namely (fermented) cuttings from nature reserves and grasslands, peat moss from degraded peat fields and the use of used casing soil, the emission of polluting and eutrophication substances (champost) to soil and surface water is reduced and nitrogen deposition is reduced (MMIP A1).