Effects of Compost on Mycelia Growth and Fructification, Mineral Elements and Proximate Composition of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries)

Studies were conducted on the growth and cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries) singer on lingocellulosic waste. Long composted substrate formulations of sawdust (86%) + rice bran (10%) + cassava peel (4%) supported the longest mycelia growth and density. Long composted also produced larger fruitbodies and significant increase in number of fruitbodies and compost % yield compared with uncomposted substrate having the same formulations. The mineral elements of Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, K, and P were found to increase from very young to mature fruitbody of both composted and uncomposted substrate with preponderance of potassium. Similar results were obtained for crude protein. However, organic carbon and organic matter tend to decrease from very young to mature fruitbody of composted and uncomposted substrates.Keywords: Composting, Fructification, Mineral Elements Pleurotus pulmonarius, Organic carbon and Organic matter