Conversion of Agroindustrial Residues Intoadded-Value Products by Solid State Fermentation

Abstract

The application of the solid state fermentation for the biotransformation of lignocellulosic by-products and agro-industrial wastes with white-rot fungi is presentedin this paper. The cultivation of Pleurotus spp. mushroom on coffee pulp, by-product that causes soil and water contamination in view of its amount and difficult management is showed as an example of this technology. Disposal of spent mushroom substrate after fruiting bodies harvesting can cause environmental problems; however as it is detoxified and due to its adequate content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and
pH could be used as an organic fertilizer. The results obtained with the use of the spent mushroom substrate as organic fertilizer in horticultural cultivation such as garlic leek (Allium chinenseG. Don), haricot Lina, kidney bean VIGNA, INIVIT 2007and coffee seedlings are presented. The
findings evidenced that Biotechnology has already evolved as a powerful conversion and processing technology for renewable materials but mainly into high value added products.