Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.7
3.4
Journals
Agronomy
Special Issues
Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting
share announcement

Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 942

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tereza Hřebečková

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: composting; vermicomposting; biowaste; enzymatic activity
Prof. Dr. Ales Hanc

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: composting; vermicomposting; waste management; biowaste; waste handling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The practice of composting and vermicomposting has a rich history rooted in sustainable agriculture and waste management. These methods have evolved significantly, integrating modern scientific advancements to enhance efficiency and environmental benefits. This Special Issue of Agronomy aims to explore the latest innovations in composting and vermicomposting, focusing on cutting-edge research that addresses current challenges and opportunities. We seek papers that present novel techniques, technological advancements, and comprehensive reviews of recent developments. Contributions that highlight the impact of these innovations on soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability are particularly welcome. By gathering diverse perspectives and findings, this Issue aspires to advance the field and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Tereza Hřebečková
Prof. Dr. Ales Hanc
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • composting
  • vermicomposting
  • organic waste management
  • biological treatment
  • organic fertilizers
  • agrochemical parameters
  • use of vermi/compost

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 2748 KB  
Article
Soluble Phosphate Additives Remodel Microbial Networks to Accelerate Organic Matter Transformation in Food Waste Composting
by Ake Zhang, Yunfeng Chen, Min Xu, Bo Liu, Zhi Zhang, Hao Fan, Yuquan Wei and Yabin Zhan
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112456 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 171
Abstract
Phosphates were widely used in composting, but their impact on the degradation of organic matter transformation in food waste compost was not well known. In this study, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O and K2HPO4 were separately [...] Read more.
Phosphates were widely used in composting, but their impact on the degradation of organic matter transformation in food waste compost was not well known. In this study, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O and K2HPO4 were separately added to food waste for a 30-day composting process. Chemical stoichiometry, high-throughput sequencing, and Mantel analysis were used to reveal the effect of phosphate addition on carbon conversion in composting. Results showed that soluble phosphate addition enhanced compost maturation despite inhibiting crude protein degradation. At the end of composting, the addition of Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O and K2HPO4 resulted in a 33.75% and 45.15% increase in GI compared to the control group. Compared with K2HPO4, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O addition improved total organic carbon (degradation rate increased by 2.9%) and total volatile solids (increased by 1.13%) degradation while reducing pH (decreased by 0.52), promoting total nitrogen preservation (increased by 25.56%). Microbial co-occurrence networks showed that phosphate increased community complexity and stability, enriching core taxa (Lentilactobacillus, Paraburkholderia, Catelliglobosispora, and Pseudarthrobacter). Mantel tests linked microbial diversity to lipid decomposition and maturation. Random forest analysis revealed that additive soluble phosphate boosted organic matter and lipid degradation by stimulating Tepidisphaera and Thermobifida, while suppressing Lactiplantibacillus. Additionally, soluble phosphate enhanced crude protein degradation via Compostibacillus, Weizmannia, and Ureibacillus enrichment. At the end of composting, Tepidisphaera (14.68%) and Thermobifida (30.62%) had a higher proportion in Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O treatment, which might be an important reason why this treatment was beneficial for organic matter degradation. Overall, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O achieved the highest maturity and nitrogen retention, proving optimal for food waste composting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1189 KB  
Article
Assessment of the Role of Bulking Agents and Composting Phases on the Quality of Compost Tea from Poultry Wastes
by Higor Eisten Francisconi Lorin, Maico Chiarelotto, Plínio Emanoel Rodrigues Silva, María Ángeles Bustamante, Raul Moral and Monica Sarolli Silva de Mendonça Costa
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2322; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102322 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
In this study, the effects of composting phase and bulking agent on macronutrient extraction and the chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of 20 compost teas from poultry waste composting mixtures were evaluated. Phosphorus (P) extraction was more efficient during stabilization after the thermophilic [...] Read more.
In this study, the effects of composting phase and bulking agent on macronutrient extraction and the chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of 20 compost teas from poultry waste composting mixtures were evaluated. Phosphorus (P) extraction was more efficient during stabilization after the thermophilic phase; however, water-soluble P declined as composting progressed. K was more amenable to extraction, with yields ranging from 30% to 70%, followed by N (2% to 12%) and P (1% to 7%). Compost tea quality was clearly affected by both the bulking agent and the composting stage. Bulking agents that accelerate the process, such as cotton waste (CW) and Napier grass (NG), contributed to nutrient mineralization, increasing availability in the compost tea but also raising salt contents responsible for phytotoxicity. In contrast, tree trimmings (TT), sawdust (S), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) showed better results, striking a balance between nutrient availability and salt content. The period between the thermophilic phase and cooling was the most suitable for extraction, providing the greatest contribution of water-soluble nutrients. This study highlights the influence of bulking agents and composting phases on nutrient extraction and phytotoxicity of compost teas and provides new insights into the role of electrical conductivity as a threshold indicator for safe agricultural application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-2
Back to TopTop