In the heart of Brazil, a groundbreaking study is turning the humble sun mushroom into a key player in the future of sustainable agriculture. Researchers from the Graduate Program in Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology at São Paulo State University (UNESP) have discovered that cultivating maize in post-harvest sun mushroom areas could revolutionize crop management and enhance food security. This innovative approach, led by Lucas da Silva Alves, not only promises to boost yields but also offers a more sustainable and economically viable solution for farmers.
The sun mushroom, scientifically known as Agaricus subrufescens, has long been a staple in Brazilian agriculture. However, its cultivation is seasonal, leaving fields fallow for significant periods. Alves and his team saw an opportunity in this downtime, exploring the potential of maize cultivation in these post-harvest areas. Their findings, published in the journal Plants, reveal a promising pathway for enhancing land use efficiency and promoting a circular economy.
The study evaluated four management practices: a post-harvest area without mineral fertilization, a post-harvest area with fertilization at sowing, a post-harvest area with fertilization at sowing and topdressing, and a control area with standard mineral fertilization. The results were striking. In the first crop, the post-harvest area without mineral fertilization maintained adequate soil pH and electrical conductivity, significantly increasing soil phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium levels without compromising yield.
“One of the most exciting findings was the improvement in soil nutrients without the need for additional mineral fertilizers,” Alves explained. “This not only reduces costs for farmers but also contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices.”
In the second crop, the combination of fertilization at sowing and topdressing in the post-harvest area proved crucial for higher yields, reaching up to 6500 kg per hectare. This treatment also showed similarities to the control in terms of leaf nitrogen content, indicating effective nutrient absorption.
The economic benefits were equally compelling. The post-harvest area without mineral fertilization increased net benefits by up to 380% in the first crop. For the second crop, topdressing became essential, with the combination of sowing and topdressing fertilization generating the greatest net benefit.
This research opens up new possibilities for farmers, particularly smallholders who often face significant challenges in maintaining soil fertility and economic viability. By repurposing post-harvest sun mushroom areas for maize cultivation, farmers can extend their productive seasons, enhance soil health, and improve their economic outlook.
The implications for the agricultural sector are vast. As global food demand is projected to increase by 56% by 2050, sustainable farming practices like this become increasingly important. This study demonstrates that integrating mushroom cultivation with maize farming can create a more resilient and efficient agricultural system.
Alves and his team’s work is just the beginning. Long-term trials are needed to fully understand the nutrient cycling between crops and the long-term impacts on soil health. However, the initial results are promising and pave the way for future developments in sustainable agriculture.
As the world seeks to balance food security with environmental sustainability, this innovative approach offers a glimpse into a future where agriculture is not just about producing food but also about nurturing the land. The integration of sun mushroom and maize cultivation could be a game-changer, providing a model for other crops and regions to follow. The findings published in Plants, translated to English as ‘Plants’, underscore the potential of this method to transform agricultural practices and secure a more sustainable future for all.