Sustainable Bio-Resource Technology in Agricultural Wastes and Its Impacts on Soil Physical Quality
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 January 2027 | Viewed by 20
Special Issue Editor
Interests: soil physical quality and root growth; focusing on how agricultural waste-derived bio-based amendments (e.g., biochar) affect soil structure; water and gas fluxes; process-based modeling of root–soil interactions
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Sustainable management of agricultural wastes is essential to reduce environmental burdens and advance circular bioeconomy solutions that also enhance soil functioning. Bio-resource technologies such as pyrolysis (biochar), composting, and anaerobic digestion can transform crop residues, manures, and agro-industrial by-products into amendments able to modify the soil pore system and its hydro-mechanical behavior. While existing literature often emphasizes nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, and greenhouse gas balances, this Special Issue usefully supplements current knowledge by focusing on soil physics and hydrology as key mechanisms linking waste valorization to sustainability outcomes. We welcome original research and reviews reporting robust physical indicators, including bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, pore connectivity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and water retention curves. Contributions linking these measurements to mechanisms of structural change, pore size distribution, and load-bearing capacity across soil textures, mineralogy, and management contexts are encouraged. In addition, manuscripts focused on physical characterization of water retention improvements promoted by biochar are welcome, including comparisons among feedstocks and conversion conditions. Studies on water flow modeling and process-based approaches integrating laboratory and field observations will be well received.
Prof. Dr. Moacir Tuzzin de Moraes
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- biochar
- agricultural wastes
- biochar, soil physical quality
- soil water flux
- soil structure
- process-based modeling
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