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Agronomy
Special Issues
Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting
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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: 15 August 2026 | Viewed by 5271

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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 semimonthly 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

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 318 KB  
Article
Effect of Dose and Date of Application of Vermicompost and Its Combination with N-Fertilizer on Maize Grain Yield
by Peter Kováčik, Vladimír Šimanský, Mária Kmeťová, Štefan Týr and Iwona Ledwożyw-Smoleń
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010118 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1085
Abstract
The European Union produces about 58 million tons of grain maize annually, and although Slovakia contributes only a small share, grain maize is an important crop occupying 10.6% of the country’s arable land. A two-year pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects [...] Read more.
The European Union produces about 58 million tons of grain maize annually, and although Slovakia contributes only a small share, grain maize is an important crop occupying 10.6% of the country’s arable land. A two-year pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of vermicompost (Vc) dose and application timing, applied alone or in combination with mineral nitrogen fertilizer, on maize grain yield and selected grain-quality parameters. The spring pre-sowing Vc application at 170 kg ha−1 total N proved appropriate. Increasing the Vc dose from 170 to 340 kg ha−1 total N did not significantly influence grain yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), or the contents of crude protein and starch. When soil was fertilized with Vc in autumn, the spring application of mineral N at 60 kg ha−1 resulted in higher grain yield compared with the spring application of Vc at 170 kg ha−1 total N. Application of Vc alone, regardless of dose or timing, did not affect starch content or TKW. The combined use of mineral and organic nitrogen sources appears to be the most effective strategy for maize nitrogen nutrition. Applying Vc in autumn or spring at 170 kg ha−1 total N, followed by 60 kg ha−1 mineral N in spring, created favorable conditions for achieving high grain yield and quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting)
25 pages, 3301 KB  
Article
Biodegradability of Textiles Made from Natural Fibers During Composting and Vermicomposting
by Ales Hanc, Tereza Hrebeckova, Pavel Michal, Maha Hleibieh, Tereza Peskova and Dominika Koronovska
Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2700; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122700 - 24 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1561
Abstract
The increasing generation of natural fiber textile waste highlights the urgent need for sustainable management strategies. This study investigated the biodegradation of textiles made from viscose, cotton, and linen under controlled composting and vermicomposting conditions in a four-month cycle to assess their decomposition [...] Read more.
The increasing generation of natural fiber textile waste highlights the urgent need for sustainable management strategies. This study investigated the biodegradation of textiles made from viscose, cotton, and linen under controlled composting and vermicomposting conditions in a four-month cycle to assess their decomposition dynamics and the quality of the resulting products. Composting was performed by an outdoor method and under controlled conditions, while vermicomposting included outdoor and home-scale variants using Eisenia andrei. Textile biodegradability and quality of the final product were quantified by weight loss, microscopic evaluation, and changes in pH, electrical conductivity, volatile solids, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), macroelement content, and levels of potentially toxic compounds. By month 2, textiles reached complete (100%) degradation in outdoor composting and in both vermicomposting systems; controlled composting achieved 87% degradability at month 2, 94% at month 3, and 99% at month 4. Across all systems, the C/N ratio stabilized around 11, and the resulting compost and vermicompost met quality standards for nutrients and safety criteria for toxicity. The findings confirm that both composting and vermicomposting are suitable methods for processing natural fiber textile waste, yielding environmentally safe and agronomically valuable products that support circular waste management in the textile sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Composting and Vermicomposting)
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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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 736
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)
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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 949
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)
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