Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

The cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) has gained significant attention due to its rapid growth, nutritional benefits, and medicinal properties. In recent years, the potential of biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, has been explored as a sustainable amendment for improving substrate conditions in mushroom cultivation. Biochar is known to enhance soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity, but its impact on fungal growth, particularly in low-dose applications, remains underexplored. This research investigates the role of biochar as a natural growth-enhancing substance for P. ostreatus from both conventional and homeopathic perspectives. The experiment focused on varying biochar doses (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w/w) added to wheat straw substrate, with outcomes measured for mycelial colonization, time to fruiting, yield, and biological efficiency. The results show that biochar significantly reduced the colonization period and increased biological efficiency, with the highest yield observed at 0.5% biochar supplementation. Notably, low to moderate doses (0.25% and 0.5%) led to the most pronounced improvements, suggesting that biochar enhances substrate porosity, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, all of which facilitate faster growth. The slight decrease in performance at 1% biochar indicates that biochar’s positive effects may be dose-dependent, with diminishing returns at higher levels. The research also considers a homeopathic perspective, positing that biochar's effects could be linked to low-dose stimulation, akin to hormesis. These findings provide evidence that biochar can be an effective, natural supplement for P. ostreatus cultivation, offering a sustainable solution for improving yield and efficiency. Further research is recommended to explore the mechanistic pathways of biochar's influence on fungal physiology and its potential synergy with other organic amendments.