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In the UK alone some 100 thousand cubic metres of peat is used each year in commercial mushroom growing. Now the rapid depletion of the world's peat resources, home to a number of rare plant and animal species, could be significantly reduced thanks to a new substitute product developed by scientists at the University of Warwick's Horticulture Research International (HRI). The substitute material, commonly referred to as coal tailings, is a waste product from the mining industry. Typically it can be used to replace up to 30% of the dark peat used in mushroom growing and continuing trials show that it produces good yields of high quality mushrooms. Worldwide we consume in excess of 7 million tonnes of mushrooms a year; Warwick's research means we can now continue to enjoy our mushrooms at considerably less threat to our environment.