Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Straw-based crop–mushroom systems for circular nutrient use and soil restoration

China

Millions of tonnes of crop residues are produced annually in China, yet much of this biomass remains underutilised. Within the trans4num project, an innovative grain–mushroom rotation system was developed that converts wheat and maize straw into valuable mushroom products while improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields and creating new income opportunities. The system demonstrates how circular agriculture can generate both environmental and economic benefits.

The need

Agricultural systems in the Henan region face declining soil organic matter, poor utilisation of crop residues, inefficient nutrient cycling, environmental impacts from residue management and increasing pressure to improve productivity sustainably. Converting agricultural by-products into valuable resources offers an opportunity to restore soil health while strengthening farm resilience.

The benefits

For farmers

  • Additional income from mushroom production.
  • Higher grain yields.
  • Improved soil fertility.
  • Reduced weed pressure.

For the environment

  • Increased soil organic matter.
  • Enhanced carbon sequestration.
  • Improved nutrient recycling.
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

For rural development

  • New value chains and business opportunities.
  • Better utilisation of agricultural by-products.
  • Increased resource efficiency.

Additional information

trans4num solution

trans4num China developed a fixed-plot grain–mushroom rotation system in which wheat and maize straw are used as mushroom substrate, mushrooms are cultivated as a high-value crop, spent mushroom substrate is returned to the fields, and grain and mushroom production rotate across plots. This circular approach transforms crop residues into valuable biological resources while improving soil quality and nutrient cycling.

The system delivered substantial benefits, including approximately 23.5% higher wheat yields, more than 60% increases in soil organic matter, over 40% higher available nutrient levels, weed reductions exceeding 90%, improved root development, photosynthetic efficiency and water-use efficiency, increased carbon sequestration, and economic returns of up to €18,000/ha.

AKIS system

The innovation brings together research institutes, agricultural universities, demonstration farms, technology developers and machinery manufacturers. Wider scaling will require stronger collaboration with farmers, cooperatives, mushroom producers, processors and local authorities.

Challenges / limitations

The system is more complex than conventional crop production, requires specialised knowledge and initial investment, and depends on the development of viable mushroom markets.

Resources needed & scaling

Successful implementation requires mushroom inoculum and cultivation materials, residue-handling equipment, technical training, advisory and extension services, and reliable market access. Wider adoption would benefit from farmer training, advisory support on substrate management, stronger mushroom value chains, incentives promoting residue valorisation and broader support for circular agriculture initiatives. Grain–mushroom rotations demonstrate how crop residues can become valuable resources that improve soil fertility, increase farm income and contribute to more sustainable food production.

Source Project
Transformation for sustainable nutrient supply and management
Ongoing | 2022-2026
Main funding source
Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, China
Project details

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