Effectiveness of two biodegradation methods on the physical characteristics of compost for horticulture proposes

Woodshavings of Pittosporum undulatum Vent. a hardwood species introduced in the Azores during the last century, that soon became an environmental problem because of it's ability to compete with native plants, were biodegraded through the use of conventional composting methods and the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus, a well known mushroom, because of it's enzymatic capabilities. Physical and chemical parameters during composting and cropping were analysed. Mature compost and spent mushroom compost were tested as substrate for the cultivation of a vegetable crop (Lactuca sativa L.). Results were compared in terms of fresh weight per water availability of substrates. P, ostreatus cultivation seems effective to reduce the degradation period of P. undulatum wood, in order to be used as horticultural substrate.