Circularity in Farming, The future model!

 

 

 

 

Circular farming is an agricultural system that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources by reusing and recycling materials within the farm.

To combat hunger, reduce food waste, and mitigate climate change impacts, CHIAM[1] (Integrated CHIA and oyster Mushroom system for sustainable food value chain for Africa) is conducting research to develop sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions for Africa.

To address critical food concerns in Africa, CHIAM, in partnership with FOSC[2]

(ERA-Net on Food Systems and Climate), has mobilized a consortium from both Africa and Europe, concentrating their efforts on the potential of chia and oyster mushrooms.

 

Below is the description defining the circular system:

https://www.bayzoltan.hu/hu/fooldal-2/


CHIAM implements a closed-loop system where waste is repurposed: spent oyster mushroom substrate enriches pig feed, pig waste fuels biogas production, and the resulting biogas slurry serves as organic fertilizer.

This approach achieves zero waste, minimizes pollution, and generates clean energy, fostering a sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system.

One of the consortium partners, Bay Zoltan Research Centre (BZN)[3] based in Hungary, conducted research on oyster mushrooms with a clear focus on the following areas: 

·      Examination of different local substrates to determine their suitability for the production of oyster mushroom.

·      Exploring different pathways for value addition of the spent mushroom substrates so that almost zero waste production practice can be achieved in the circular farming system.

·      Developing strategies for achieving the climate smart system which include re-using the agri-food waste water and bio-refinery residues to create new bio-fertilizers that will minimize the environmental impact on crop, animal and human.

Examination of Different Substrates

The study looked at different substrate sources for oyster mushroom production which are readily available in Africa. The substrates include, rice straw, banana leaves, corn stalks, corn leaves, elephant grass and side streams of Chia cultivation, such as Chia seed hull. The Chia stalks and husks were used as substrates in growing of oyster mushrooms.

 

Examples: Chia Stalk Substrate at Keyrio farm, Muranga

 


Other examples: Dried banana leaves and elephant grass

                           

Pic 1:https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=%22dry+banana+leaf%22

Pic 2:https://pixabay.com/images/search/dry%20elephant%20grass/

 

Spent Oyster Mushrooms substrate

Original Picture from Mycelia and Foods, grow house Kiambu

Experiments to examine different local substrates if they are suitable for oyster mushroom production. By Katalin Kálai, Bay Zoltan Non-profit Ltd. For Applied Research, Hungary.

Conclusion on Substrates:

The research determined that banana leaves, elephant grass and chia seed hull were the most effective substrates for growing the oyster mushrooms.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/16HUuNbU2g/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/15xMULphkb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

(@FarmbyKeyrio): https://x.com/FarmbyKeyrio?t=7qBGaK7ZaFRNZyKG-SSK6g&s=08

 

 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862555.

 


[1] https://www.faccejpi.net/en/foscera/projects/chiam.htm

[2] https://www.foscera.net/en/foscera/about-fosc-2.htm

[3] https://www.bayzoltan.hu/en/home/

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