Edible Mushrooms as Bioconverters for Agricultural Waste Valorization: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review of Substrates, Mechanisms, and Multi-faceted Benefits

Abstract

Background The escalating global demand for food and the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices underscore the critical need for efficient utilization of agricultural waste. This waste stream presents a significant environmental burden, often leading to landfill accumulation or the release of greenhouse gases through burning or anaerobic decomposition. Edible mushrooms are recognized as effective bioconverters of agro-industrial waste, offering a dual solution by transforming discarded materials into valuable food and bio-products. Their cultivation aligns with circular economy principles, converting low-value residues into high-value resources. Methods This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, ensuring methodological rigor and transparency. A comprehensive search strategy was developed using Boolean operators and specific keywords (e.g., "edible mushrooms," "agricultural waste valorization," "lignocellulosic waste biodegradation") across multiple scientific databases, including Google Scholar, MDPI, and Springer, supplemented by searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies published in English from 2000 onwards, focusing on the valorization of agricultural waste by edible mushrooms, were included. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction, with discrepancies resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. The risk of bias for included studies was assessed using a validated tool, and findings were synthesized qualitatively due to anticipated heterogeneity.