Effects of spent mushroom compost on seedling quality and nutrient contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena) grown in different growing media

In this study, the effects of spent mushroom compost used in growing media on the seedling quality and nutrient contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena) were determined under the greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, spent mushroom compost (SMC), perlite, peat and their mixtures in different ratios were used as growing media for growing of eggplant seedlings. Effects of these substances on seed germination, seedling height, stem diameter, seedling fresh weight and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu contents were studied. As a result of this study, the effects of growing media on the seedling quality parameters were found to be significant and the best results were generally obtained from peat + perlite mixtures. The nutrient contents of seedlings showed significant differences (p<0.01) and the highest nutrient content in eggplant seedlings were obtained from the mixture of new and old spent mushroom compost (30% perlite + 70% SMC). It was concluded that spent mushroom compost could be used in seedling growing media.