Sustainable Bioconversion Of Lignocellulosic Wastes Into High-Value Mycofertilizer By A White Rot Fungal Consortium: Enhancing Growth And Yield Of Triticum Aestivum

Abstract

India generates approximately 998 million metric tonnes of lignocellulosic waste each year, which poses serious environmental challenges if left untreated or mismanaged. However, this vast quantity of agricultural and agro-industrial residue offers a valuable opportunity for sustainable bioconversion into value-added products. In this study, a mycofertilizer was developed using a consortium of three white rot fungi-Trametes hirsuta, Ganoderma gibbosum, and Ganoderma multipileum grown on cost-effective lignocellulosic substrates, including leaf litter, paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs, and corn stover. Four different formulations (F1–F4) were prepared by varying the proportions of these substrates and subjected to fungal degradation to select the most efficient composition. Among these, Formulation no. F2 proved to be optimal, achieving complete substrate degradation and producing a nutrient-rich mycofertilizer. Compositional analysis of the final product revealed N-P-K contents of 1.6–1.1–1.4% and a C:N ratio of 17.51, indicating its suitability for enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant growth. To assess its agronomic potential, field trials were conducted on Triticum aestivum (wheat), a widely cultivated crop of significant economic and nutritional value. Results showed that wheat plants treated with the mycofertilizer exhibited significantly higher yields compared to those treated with conventional fertilizers such as vermicompost. In contrast, plants grown in unfertilized soil demonstrated the slowest growth rates and the lowest yields, underscoring the importance of soil amendments for optimal crop productivity. This study highlights the promising potential of white rot fungal consortia for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste into an eco-friendly, cost-effective mycofertilizer that supports sustainable agriculture.