Maria Lopez, Hans Müller and Linda Smith

The white oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, is widely recognized for its nutritional richness and bioactive phytochemical profile. This research investigates the effects of using biochar‑enriched substrates on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of P. ostreatus fruit bodies. Mushrooms were cultivated on standard substrate (control) and on substrates amended with 5%, 10%, and 15% agricultural‑waste derived biochar. After harvesting, proximate composition (protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate), mineral content (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH7 radical scavenging) were assessed. Results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in crude protein (up to 18% vs 15.2% in control), ash content, and essential minerals, with the 10% biochar treatment showing the most pronounced improvement. Phytochemical analysis showed elevated TPC and TFC, corresponding to enhanced antioxidant capacity. The findings suggest that biochar enrichment of substrate not only improves mushroom yield but also augments nutritional value and health‑promoting compounds, making biochar-amended cultivation a promising strategy for nutritional enhancement of edible mushrooms.

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