Asian Journal of Research and Review in Agriculture

This study aimed to investigate the potential of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus) cultivating in the open field as an intercrop with faba bean plant (Vicia faba L.). Seeds of faba bean were planted either on one or both sides of the rows in two consecutive years. Completely colonized oyster mushroom bags were placed between faba bean plants intra rows at the beginning of the flowering stage. The intercropping system positively influenced faba bean key parameters in comparison to the sole cultivation. Faba bean cultivated on one side of the row and accompanied by oyster mushroom produced the highest total dry seed yield and its main components. Besides, Pleurotus columbinus basidiocarps number and weight were highest in this treatment. Data analysis of mushroom fruiting bodies nutritional composition showed that total antioxidants and total flavonoids content were in favor of intercropping oyster mushroom with faba bean grown on one side. Whereas, planting methods did not significantly affect the total protein or total phenols content of the mushroom fruiting bodies. Extensive belowground fungal hyphae in the soil underneath the straw substrate were observed. Enhanced organic matter, organic carbon, and available P were detected. It is concluded that oyster mushroom/faba bean intercropping can provide additional marketable nutritious food as well as enhanced faba bean main crop productivity based on sustainable practice.