Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part A (2025)

The increasing interest in sustainable agricultural inputs has positioned biochar as an important soil amendment with potential applications in mushroom cultivation systems. Biochar, a carbon-rich, porous material produced through the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, possesses high surface area, enhanced cation-exchange capacity, and long-term chemical stability, making it a promising substrate component for edible mushroom production. The cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus, one of the most commercially important oyster mushroom species, depends on substrates rich in nutrients and stable physicochemical conditions. Chemical characterization of biochar, including pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient content, fixed carbon, ash content, and functional groups, plays a critical role in determining its suitability for substrate supplementation. However, despite rising global research on biochar, limited studies have systematically evaluated how its chemical properties influence nutrient dynamics during P. ostreatus colonization, enzymatic activity, and fruiting performance. Understanding these interactions is essential to optimize substrate formulation, enhance yield, and promote resource-efficient mushroom production. This research aims to evaluate the chemical characteristics of biochar derived from agricultural residues and examine its influence on nutrient availability, substrate decomposition, and mushroom productivity. It also hypothesizes that biochar with balanced pH, moderate electrical conductivity, and adequate mineral composition can enhance nutrient retention and support improved mycelial growth. The findings are expected to contribute to sustainable biotechnology and waste-to-value systems by integrating biochar into mushroom cultivation frameworks.