Mushroom substrates used in Switzerland are largely produced in centralised systems and are often imported, although organic resources such as manure and straw are available regionally. The project investigates whether a small-scale, decentralised bioreactor can convert these materials into a stable growing substrate for secondary decomposer mushrooms. The modular bioreactor will combine multiple composting phases in one system, enabling both substrate and mushroom production.
A prototype will be designed, built and tested under real conditions. The project will assess process stability, substrate quality, mushroom yield and economic viability. In parallel, potential applications will be explored with farms, educational farms, restaurants and other stakeholders. After cultivation, the spent mushroom substrate is intended to return to the regional nutrient cycle as a soil amendment.
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