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Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy

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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2025 | Viewed by 8338

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniele Del Buono

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Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Interests: biostimulants; plant biochemistry; plant nutrition; heavy metals; oxidative stress; nanoparticles; herbicides; abiotic stress in plants; phytoremediation
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Prof. Dr. Giovanni Gigliotti

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Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti, 93, 06125, Perugia, Italy
Interests: carbon sequestration; water soluble organic matter; soil fertility; organic waste treatments
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Dr. Alberto Maria Gambelli

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Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti 93, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Interests: gas hydrates; carbon capture and storage; natural gas sources; biogas production; waste biomass valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Modern agriculture is considered to be a significant contributor to climate change and environmental degradation, and various environmental stressors—significantly exacerbated by climate change—affect cropping systems, decreasing yields, and product quality. Therefore, it is imperative to identify innovative and biobased approaches that improve the sustainability of cropping systems and reduce their contribution to climate change while also making agriculture more resilient and productive.

In this context, the valorization of agro-industrial waste represents a strategic and relevant way to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and increase its productivity. For instance, agro-industrial activities produce approximately 140 billion tons of waste biomass worldwide, which has the potential to be a low-cost and highly effective source of feedstock for the production of innovative materials to be applied in different productive sectors, as well as in agriculture itself. Some recent studies have focused on obtaining biostimulants and fertilizers from agro-industrial wastes, thus creating a circular economy paradigm. Furthermore, within the scope of promoting third-generation biorefinery, following pretreatment for the extraction/production of valuable substances, this kind of biomass can be destined for anaerobic digestion for energy production and finally converted in (bio)fertilizers.

In this context, the aim of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of innovative and cutting-edge research on the potential of biomass to provide relevant materials and approaches for agricultural applications and energy production. In particular, research on obtaining biostimulants and (bio)fertilizer from natural resources and waste to increase soil quality and the performance of crops, even in the context of climate change, will be considered. Finally, studies on producing biogas or biomethane from agro-industrial waste are welcome.

Dr. Daniele Del Buono
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Gigliotti
Dr. Alberto Maria Gambelli
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

biobased
biostimulants
biofertilizers
biogas
sustainable agriculture
crop productivity
climate change
circular economy

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) Waste for Substrate in Seedling Production

by Isaac Manoel Rocha de Sousa Filho, Clodoaldo Alcino Andrade dos Santos, Geomarcos da Silva Paulino, Anselmo Júnior Corrêa Araújo, Wandicleia Lopes de Sousa, Helionora da Silva Alves, Thiago Almeida Vieira and Denise Castro Lustosa

Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080870 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K. Schum.), a fruit native to the Amazon, is widely used in the food industry. However, it generates large amounts of shell and seed residues after processing, which are generally discarded inappropriately. We characterized cupuaçu residues to determine their potential as substrates for seedling production. Shells and fruit seeds were collected from a rural community in the municipality of Belterra, Brazil. The residues were weighed, dried, and crushed for chemical (macro and micronutrients, elemental analysis, and ash content) and physical (density and porosity) analyses. Different proportions of each residue (9:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 0:1) were used, and soil alone was used as the control. The chemical analysis of the plant material showed that cupuaçu seed residues had higher concentrations of macro- and micronutrients among the analyzed elements when compared to the fruit shell residues. The macronutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, and Mg) were, respectively, 5, 1.3, 2.3, and 5.6 times higher than those in the shell residues. Compared with the soil sample, the concentrations of the macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg) in the shell residues were, respectively, 600, 162, 1283, and 12.35 times higher. Analysis of variance and comparison of treatment means were performed using Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Chemical analysis showed that cupuaçu seed and shell residues had higher concentrations of macro- and micronutrients than soil. All proportions tested with residues had lower densities and greater porosities than soil. The cupuaçu residues showed desirable chemical and physical characteristics for their use as substrate in seedling production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

18 pages, 1934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of New Zeolite Composites from Fly Ashes Mixed with Leonardite and Lignite in Enhancing Soil Organic Matter

by Renata Jarosz, Joanna Beata Kowalska, Krzysztof Gondek, Romualda Bejger, Lilla Mielnik, Altaf Hussain Lahori and Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek

Agriculture 2025, 15(7), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15070786 - 5 Apr 2025

Viewed by 319

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of innovative mineral–organic mixtures containing zeolite composites produced from fly ashes and lignite or leonardite on the fractional composition of soil organic matter in sandy loam soil under two-year pot experiments with maize. The fractional composition of soil organic matter (SOM) was analyzed and changes in the functional properties of soil groups were identified using the ATR-FTIR method. Changes in the content of phenolic compounds were assessed, and the potential impact of fertilizer mixtures on soil carbon stocks was investigated. The addition of these mixtures improved the stability of SOM. The application of mineral–organic mixtures significantly increased the total organic carbon (TOC) by 18% after the 2nd year of the experiment. The maximum TOC content in the soil was observed by 33% with the addition of MC3%Leo3% amendment. Nitrogen content in soil was increased by 62% with MV9%Leo6% additive, indicating increased soil fertility. The study highlighted an increase in fulvic acid carbon relative to humic acid carbon, signaling positive changes in organic matter quality. The new mineral–organic mixtures influence changes in specific functional groups (ATR-FTIR) present in the soil matrix, compared to mineral fertilization alone. The additive mixtures also contributed to an increase in soil carbon stocks, highlighting their potential for long-term improvement of soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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15 pages, 1512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Performance and Urea Metabolism After Foliar Fertilization with Nickel and Urea in Cotton Plants

by Jailson Vieira Aguilar, Allan de Marcos Lapaz, Nayane Cristina Pires Bomfim, Thalita Fischer Santini Mendes, Lucas Anjos Souza, Enes Furlani Júnior and Liliane Santos Camargos

Agriculture 2025, 15(7), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15070699 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 319

Abstract

The use of nickel (Ni) as a fertilizer remains a topic of debate, particularly in non-legume species, as Ni is required only in trace amounts for optimal plant function. Urea application in plants, whether foliar or root-based, relies on the urease enzyme to convert urea into NH_4⁺ and CO₂, with Ni serving as an essential cofactor. In this study, we conducted an experiment using a 2 × 2 factorial design, combining two urea concentrations [4% and 8% (w/v)] with the absence or presence of Ni (0.3 g L⁻¹ supplied as NiSO₄·6H₂O). Gas exchange parameters were measured two days after fertilization. We quantified urease enzyme activity, urea content, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, and other nitrogenous metabolites. The presence of Ni during foliar urea fertilization significantly increased the photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic pigments, which we attributed to improved urea assimilation. The combination of urea and Ni enhanced urease activity, leading to higher levels of various nitrogenous metabolites. Ni positively influenced foliar urea assimilation, promoting its conversion into organic compounds, such as proteins, while mitigating the toxic effects associated with urea accumulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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12 pages, 1819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Replacing Nitrogen Fertilizers with Incorporation of Rice Straw and Chinese Milk Vetch Maintained Rice Productivity

by Peng Li, Linlin Zhao, Donghui Li, Qiaoli Leng, Mingjian Geng and Qiang Zhu

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060623 - 14 Mar 2025

Viewed by 365

Abstract

The cultivation of Chinese milk vetch (CMV) during the winter fallow season and the return of rice straw are important practices for increasing the soil fertility of paddy fields in southern China. In order to provide data-based evidence for the scientific strategy of nitrogen (N) fertilizer reduction through the incorporation of rice straw and CMV, a three-year field trial was conducted. The treatments included the three N application rates of 0%, 60%, and 100% of the local conventional rate (165 kg ha⁻¹), with the incorporation of CMV alone (MN0, MN60, and MN100) or with both CMV and rice straw (SMN60 and SMN100). The rice grain yield, N uptake, and dynamic changes in inorganic N in the soil and surface water were determined for the period from 2019 to 2021. The results show that both the rice grain yield and plant N uptake of the MN60 and SMN60 treatments were not significantly different from those of the treatment with only conventional N application (N100). Although the SMN100 treatment significantly increased the uptakes of N in the aboveground part in the tillering and shooting stages compared with SMN60, no significant differences were found between the grain yields in 2021. Meanwhile, the SMN60 treatment significantly increased the soil microbial biomass N and NH₄⁺-N contents during the maturity stage in 2020 and 2021, respectively, compared with MN60. Furthermore, the SMN100 treatment resulted in higher NO₃⁻-N concentrations in the surface water at days 3 and 6 after transplantation in 2020 than those under SMN60. In conclusion, the incorporation of CMV and rice straw with an application rate of 60% of conventional N fertilizer is an essential approach to reducing the risk of N loss while maintaining rice grain yields in the Jianghan Plain of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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16 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cheese Whey Characterization for Co-Composting with Solid Organic Wastes and the Agronomic Value of the Compost Obtained

by Steven Ramos-Romero, Irene Gavilanes-Terán, Julio Idrovo-Novillo, Alessandro Idrovo-Gavilanes, Víctor Valverde-Orozco and Concepción Paredes

Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050513 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 562

Abstract

Cheese production generates a large amount of liquid waste called cheese whey (CW). The management of CW is not optimized in Ecuador since a large proportion of it is discharged into the soil or effluents, causing significant environmental impacts. For this reason, the co-composting of whey with solid organic wastes can be a suitable method for its treatment for small companies generating this liquid waste due to its effectiveness and low cost. In this study, we analyzed 10 CW samples from different small companies in the Mocha canton (Tungurahua, Ecuador) to determine specific physicochemical and chemical parameters. Subsequently, a waste pile was formed with crop residues (corn and beans) and cow manure, which was composted using the turned pile composting system. Throughout the composting process, the temperature of the pile was controlled, its moisture was maintained between 40 and 60% by adding whey, and several physicochemical, chemical, and biological properties were determined. The results showed that the CW presented a high organic load, notable macronutrient content, and low heavy metal concentrations, all of which are beneficial for its co-composting with other organic solid wastes. The only limiting factors involved in using large amounts of whey in the composting process were the low pH values of the acid CW and the high concentrations of salts. It was also observed that co-composting CW with agro-livestock wastes was a viable strategy to treat these wastes and produce compost with stabilized and humified organic matter and remarkable agricultural value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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19 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth, Photosynthesis and Yield Responses of Common Wheat to Foliar Application of Methylobacterium symbioticum under Decreasing Chemical Nitrogen Fertilization

by Francesco Valente, Anna Panozzo, Francesco Bozzolin, Giuseppe Barion, Pranay Kumar Bolla, Vittorio Bertin, Silvia Potestio, Giovanna Visioli, Yu Wang and Teofilo Vamerali

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101670 - 24 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

Current agriculture intensifies crop cultivation to meet food demand, leading to unsustainable use of chemical fertilizers. This study investigates a few physiological and agronomic responses of common wheat following the inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria to reduce nitrogen inputs. A field trial was conducted in 2022–2023, in Legnago (Verona, Italy) on Triticum aestivum var. LG-Auriga comparing full (180 kg ha⁻¹) and reduced (130 kg ha⁻¹) N doses, both with and without foliar application at end tillering of the N-fixing bacterium Methylobacterium symbioticum. Biofertilization did not improve shoot growth, while it seldom increased the root length density in the arable layer. It delayed leaf senescence, prolonged photosynthetic activity, and amplified stomatal conductance and PSII efficiency under the reduced N dose. Appreciable ACC-deaminase activity of such bacterium disclosed augmented nitrogen retrieval and reduced ethylene production, explaining the ameliorated stay-green. Yield and test weight were unaffected by biofertilization, while both glutenin-to-gliadin and HMW-to-LMW ratios increased together with dough tenacity. It is concluded that Methylobacterium symbioticum can amplify nitrogen metabolism at a reduced nitrogen dose, offering a viable approach to reduce chemical fertilization under suboptimal growing conditions for achieving a more sustainable agriculture. Further research over multiple growing seasons and soil types is necessary to corroborate these preliminary observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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17 pages, 5016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Poultry Manure Biochar on Salicornia herbacea L. Growth and Carbon Sequestration

by Danbi Chun, Hyun Cho, Victor J. Hahm, Michelle Kim, Seok Won Im, Hong Gun Kim and Young Soon Kim

Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091590 - 12 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

In order to explore the potential of biochar produced from poultry manure for sustainable waste utilization, carbon sequestration, and agricultural development, this study examines the impact of biochar on the growth of the halophyte plant Salicornia herbacea L., or glasswort. Because of their properties of morphological and chemical properties, biochar has been gaining interest as a potential solution to addressing both the concerns of climate change and unsustainable agriculture. In this study, the characteristics of biochar were analyzed and its impact on plant growth by stem length was measured over 15 weeks. Poultry-based biochar was created through pyrolysis at the temperatures of 400, 500, and 700 °C. Various amounts of biochar produced from pyrolysis at 500 °C were put to soil. However, the average surface area and average pore size values of poultry manure biochar produced from temperatures 400, 500, and 700 °C were similar enough to be negligible. The biochar sample produced from the pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C had an average pore size of 17.18 nm and a surface area of 18.06 m²/g. From weeks 4 to 15, all groups exhibited increased stem length, with the most significant differences observed between the biochar 0% (control) and biochar 10% groups, with biochar 0% and biochar 10% denoting 0% and 10% weight concentrations of biochar, respectively. While biochar 5% and biochar 7% groups showed minimal differences in stem length, biochar 10% demonstrated a significant increase, suggesting an optimal biochar percentage for enhancing plant growth. Carbon credit estimations have suggested that 1 ton of poultry manure biochar produced from pyrolysis at 500 C° equates to an estimate of 0.5248 ± 0.0580 carbon credits, the highest of all three biochar samples. All three samples (biochar produced from 400, 500, and 700 °C pyrolysis temperatures) had increased heavy metal contents and a wider range of functional groups. The findings indicate that biochar can effectively improve soil health and plant performance overall, with biochar 10% showing the most significant impact on Salicornia growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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16 pages, 1784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Biostimulants in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Fruit Quality Traits

by Sílvia Afonso, Ivo Oliveira, Carlos Ribeiro, Alice Vilela, Anne S. Meyer and Berta Gonçalves

Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091521 - 4 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1690

Abstract

Sweet cherries are among consumers’ preferred fresh fruits, known for their attractive organoleptic properties and high nutritional value. Agronomical practices, which are now shifting to more environmentally sustainable options, can influence several key quality traits of sweet cherries. In this context, reducing conventional agrochemicals and increasing the application of preharvest biostimulants has emerged as an innovative strategy. This approach can not only enhance cherry production and quality but also ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the cherry supply chain. Hence, this work is aimed at studying the effect of the application of two concentrations of glycine betaine (GB) and Ecklonia maxima-based (EM) biostimulants, and their combination, in two cultivars of sweet cherry: the early-maturing ‘Early Bigi’ and the late-maturing ‘Lapins’, both grafted onto SL-64 rootstock. Evaluated parameters included fruit weight and dimensions, color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), phenolic and anthocyanin contents, and sensory profile. Key findings highlight that, with a few exceptions, biostimulant treatments had a positive impact on the studied parameters, although the responses varied between cultivars. For instance, fruit size increased by 13.41% in ‘Early Bigi’ and 47.20% in ‘Lapins’. Additionally, reduced color values, coupled with higher TSS/TA ratios, indicate advanced fruit maturation, which could allow for an earlier harvest. The total phenolic content rose by 56.88% in ‘Early Bigi’ and 30.24% in ‘Lapins’, while anthocyanin levels surged by 88.28% and 36.10%, respectively. Fruit firmness also improved following biostimulant application. Sensory analysis further revealed enhancements in key descriptors such as “overall aspect”, “firmness”, and “cherry flavor”, underscoring the beneficial effects of these treatments. These combined results indicate that the preharvest application of glycine betaine or Ecklonia maxima-based (EM) biostimulants significantly improves key quality traits of sweet cherries. This approach offers benefits not only from a commercial perspective but also for the sweet cherry supply chain sustainability by reducing the application of chemical-based products and replacing them with ecofriendly substances while enhancing the quality of the fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: From Waste to Biostimulants, Biofertilisers and Bioenergy)

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