Abstract. This study investigated the effectiveness of three substrates—dried rice straw, dried banana leaves, and dried cogon leaves—in optimizing mushroom yield under varying environmental conditions. The need for food self-sufficiency was never a genuine concern when the pandemic hit, highlighting the importance of producing food in one's yard. Mushrooms, particularly Volvariella volvacea, represent a viable option. Dried rice straw is an effective and eco-friendly substrate for mushroom cultivation, especially in rice-producing regions. Its high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content provide essential nutrients, making it well-suited for mushroom production. Dried banana leaves are a practical and sustainable substrate option for mushroom cultivation, particularly in tropical regions where bananas are widely grown. Like dried rice straws, they also contain cellulose and lignin. Cogon grass, an invasive plant in many regions, is increasingly used as a mushroom substrate due to its abundance, low cost, and lignocellulosic content. Rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, it provides essential nutrients for mushroom production. Farmers from selected urban and rural areas participated in the study, cultivating mushrooms using the three substrates. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% and 1% significance levels. The result indicated no significant differences in yield among the three substrates at either significance level. However, dried rice straw consistently yielded the highest total and mean outputs, followed by dried banana leaves, while dried cogon leaves produced the least. This trend was observed across all locations and environmental conditions. The results suggest that rice straw is the most effective substrate for Volvariella volvacea cultivation. Given its consistent performance across various conditions, rice straw is recommended for farmers aiming to optimize mushroom yields. Future research should explore optimizing substrate combinations, supplementations, and refining cultivation techniques to enhance production, ensuring the continued development of mushroom cultivation practices.

Keywords: Food production; Mushroom cultivation; rice straw substrate; Substrate decomposition; Sustainable food production; Volvariella volvacea.