Project: Coffee, mushrooms and seedlings
This study investigates the potential soil fertility benefits of recycled coffee substrates for forest regeneration. Partially funded by a Linnaeus University (LNU) innovation grant, the project utilizes spent coffee grounds and fungal-enriched substrates sourced from Miguel Ferreira’s Växjö-based farm, Melo Mushrooms. By comparing untreated spent coffee grounds with coffee grounds previously used for mushroom production, researchers will assess their effects on soil properties and the growth of spruce and pine seedlings, providing insights into the potential use of recycled organic waste as a sustainable soil amendment in forestry applications.
Project information
Project manager
Miguel Ferreira, Mehrdad Zarafshar
Other project members
Tajrin Jahan, Paapa Abakah
Participating organisations
Linnaeus University, Melo Mushrooms
Funder
Linnaeus University innovation grant (M. Ferreira and M. Zarafshar), NordGen Forest-SNS scholarship 2026 (T. Jahan)
Timetable
1 July 2025–01 January 2027
Subject
Forestry and wood technology (Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Faculty of Technology)
Research group
Forest Ecology and Ecophysiology
Knowledge environment
Linnaeus Knowledge Environment: Green Sustainable Development
More about the project
This study explores whether recycled coffee substrates can improve soil fertility and enhance the growth of spruce and pine seedlings. Using spent coffee grounds and fungal-enriched coffee substrates supplied by Melo Mushrooms, we will compare untreated and mushroom-conditioned coffee grounds to assess their effects on soil properties and seedling performance. The project is designed for two Master's students and is conducted in close collaboration with Melo Mushrooms, linking forestry research with circular-economy innovation.
The project is part of the research in the Forest Ecology and Ecophysiology research group and the Linnaeus Knowledge Environment: Green Sustainable Development.
