Evaluating spent shiitake and oyster mushroom substrates as feedstocks for ethanol fuel production

Project Overview

FNE07-618
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2007: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
John Morelli
Flower City Mushrooms, LLC

Commodities

  • Additional Plants: trees
  • Miscellaneous: mushrooms

Practices

  • Crop Production: biological inoculants
  • Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, feasibility study
  • Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems
  • Soil Management: organic matter
  • Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

    Proposal summary:

    Over the past five years, ethanol use has increased by 165 percent. Over the next five to six years, ethanol production is expected to increase by 70 percent, increasing the demand for cellulosic materials. These materials include sawdust and corn stover, which have traditionally been a low-cost material used for compost in which to grow mushrooms. This project will investigate using spent mushroom substrate to produce ethanol as an energy product for on-farm use. Outreach will be through publications, newsletters, conferences, and farm tours.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.