Crushed Rock Wastes for Soil Remineralization: Potential Applications for Sustainable Agriculture
A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Systems and Management".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2026 | Viewed by 73
Editor
Interests: adsorption; biopolymers; environment; food dyes; contaminant removal; microwave; water treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The use of crushed rocks in agriculture has gained renewed attention as a sustainable strategy to improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on conventional fertilizers. Historically known as rock dust or stonemeal application, this practice involves using finely ground mineral materials, especially volcanic and silicate-rich rocks, as slow-release sources of essential nutrients.
This Special Issue aims to present recent advances regarding the use of crushed rock wastes and mineral by-products as soil remineralizers for sustainable agriculture. Contributions addressing soil fertility, nutrient availability, crop productivity, soil health, and sustainable nutrient management are welcome.
Current research is focused on exploring mineral weathering mechanisms; combinations with compost, manure, biochar, and microorganisms; and the potential role of silicate rocks in carbon sequestration through enhanced weathering. However, challenges remain regarding mineralogical variability, trace element mobility, and long-term field performance.
We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies focused on crushed volcanic rocks, silicate powders, mining by-products, soil remineralization, nutrient release, crop responses, circular economy, and environmental safety.
Topics of interest for publication:
- Crushed volcanic rocks as soil remineralizers;
- Mining by-products and rock powders for agricultural use;
- Silicate rock powders as alternative nutrient sources;
- Soil fertility improvement using mineral amendments;
- Nutrient release mechanisms and mineral weathering;
- Effects of rock powders on crop productivity;
- Remineralization of degraded, acidic, and tropical soils;
- Combined use of rock powders with compost, manure, biochar, or microorganisms;
- Environmental risks associated with rock waste trace elements;
- Regulatory, economic, and practical challenges for agricultural use.
Prof. Dr. Janaína Oliveira Gonçalves
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- soil remineralization
- crushed rock wastes
- volcanic rock powder
- sustainable agriculture
- soil fertility
- mining by-products
- silicate rocks
- nutrient release
- circular economy
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