Development of spent mushroom growing medium**********

海事美食蘑菇公司（MGMI）是大西洋地区最大的“专业”异国蘑菇种植者。尽管取得了成功，但MGMI面临着两个具体问题：(1)每周产生的垃圾（即废蘑菇基质，SMS）量大，每周约为1.63吨，处理成本高；(2)由于所用原料的性质，即红橡树（Quercus rubra）、大豆（Glycine max）的壳和水，SMS的矿物质营养含量相对较低。初步研究表明，它们的SMS在植物种植方面具有很大的潜力。然而，这可能需要添加其他天然成分来增强其功效。MGMI有机会获得黑兵蝇（Hermetia illucens）幼虫（BSFL）草籽和花岗岩粉末，因此，寻求积极的研究，以制定高效和创新的sms混合培养基商业化。该项目将首次对SMS+BSFL杂草+花岗岩粉末混合物进行表征，并评估其作物生产潜力。目的是：(1)评价SMS-BSFL草叶混合培养基的特性；(2)确定不同植物种类对不同比例的SMS-BSFL草混合介质的响应。使用实验设计进行实验室和温室盆栽试验。预期的结果将有助于解决MGMI面临的具体问题，并产生新的知识和生物产品，为公司带来经济效益。这将创造就业机会，进一步刺激当地和区域经济。最终，这项新投资将通过废物转移和加工成农业用途的有用生物产品，对加拿大产生重大的社会经济和环境影响。此外，这种创新的介质可以潜在地补充使用不可再生的自然资源，如泥炭苔藓。这是MGMI和Abbey博士之间的首次合作关系，Abbey博士期待建立一个有影响力的长期合作关系。**********

Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. (MGMI) is the largest 'specialty' exotic mushroom grower in the Atlantic region. Despite its success, MGMI is faced with two specific problems: (1) the large volume of waste (i.e. spent mushroom substrate, SMS) generated weekly, which is approximately 1.63 tons per week and its high cost of disposal; and (2) the relatively low mineral nutrient content of the SMS due to the nature of the raw materials used i.e. red oak (Quercus rubra), soybean (Glycine max) hull and water. Preliminary studies show great potential for use of their SMS for growing plants. However, this may require the addition of other natural ingredients to enhance its efficacy. MGMI have access to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) frass and granite powder and therefore, seek to pursue vigorous studies to formulate a highly efficacious and innovative SMS-based mixed medium for commercialization. This project will be the first to characterize SMS+BSFL frass+granite powder mixture and to evaluate its potential for crop production. The objectives are to: (1) assess the characteristics of SMS-BSFL frass mixed growing media; and (2) determine responses of different plant species to variable proportions of SMS-BSFL frass mixed media. Laboratory and greenhouse pot-experiments will be performed using design of experiments. The anticipated outcomes will help solve the specific problems faced by MGMI in addition to generation of new knowledge and bioproduct that will generate economic benefits to the company. This will lead to job creation to further stimulate the local and regional economies. Ultimately, this new venture will have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts in Canada through waste diversion and processing into a useful bioproduct for agricultural use. Additionally, this innovative medium can potentially supplement the use of non-renewable natural resources such as peat moss. This is a first-time relationship between MGMI and Dr. Abbey who is looking forward to building an impactful longer-term collaboration.**********