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Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (23 August 2023) | Viewed by 11844

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Igor Palčić

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture and Nutrition, Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, K. Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia
Interests: plant nutrition; biomass valorization; biochar; composting; GHG emissions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to announce a new Special Issue titled “Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development” of the journal Sustainability.

Agricultural production has increased more than three times over the last 50 years, causing negative impacts on soil, air and water resources. Current concerns such as population growth and increased food and energy prices underline the need to improve the whole agricultural production process. Agricultural production is creating huge amounts of agricultural waste. Since agriculture is very diverse around the world, it generates waste biomass of very diverse compositions. Agricultural wastes are defined as the residues from the growing and processing of raw agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products and crops.

Present methods of agricultural waste disposal comprise incineration, landfill and composting. Even though these are sometimes well-developed methods, they either produce low-value products or toxic gases and bad odors, having a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the goal is to develop innovative and advanced solutions that will turn agricultural wastes into valuable resources and, at the same time, minimize the negative impact on the environment, mitigating climate change.

Agricultural waste materials can be used as soil amendments and fertilizers, composting substrates, biochar feedstock, bioactive compound sources, etc., or for energy recovery.

This Special Issue welcomes review articles and research papers that address advanced and innovative solutions promoting waste valorization for sustainable development in agriculture. Research topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Nutrient recovery;
Bioactive compound extraction;
Composting;
Biochar production;
Soil amendments;
Energy production.

Dr. Igor Palčić
Guest Editor

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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

agricultural residues
sustainable agriculture
circular economy
biomass
organic matter
composting
pyrolysis

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 3856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Granulated Animal Feed and Fuel Based on Sea Buckthorn Agro-Waste Biomass for Sustainable Berry Production

by Anna Andersone, Sarmite Janceva, Liga Lauberte, Natalija Zaharova, Mihail Chervenkov, Vilhelmine Jurkjane, Lilija Jashina, Gints Rieksts and Galina Telysheva

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11152; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411152 - 17 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1437

Abstract

The industrial harvesting of sea buckthorn (SBT) berries with twigs and subsequent pruning creates a large volume of lignocellulosic agro-waste. This study aimed to valorize this agro-waste as a raw material for animal feed and fuel granules, for developing a sustainable cascading SBT production scheme. Five SBT cultivars’ biomasses were characterized by analytical pyrolysis, mass spectrometry, and GC analysis. Condensed tannins, which are undesirable components for animal feed, were separated by extraction. The residue was analyzed for total protein, vitamins (A, C, and E), ash, crude fat, wood fiber, and macroelements (P, K, Ca, and Na), and showed great potential. The heavy metal (Cd, Hg, and Pb) content did not exceed the permitted EU maximum. Granulation regimes were elaborated using a flat-die pelletizer, KAHL 14-175. The digestibility and the amount of produced gas emissions were determined using in vitro systems that recreate the digestion of small ruminants. The investigation proved that SBT leaves and stems are a unique underutilized source of animal feed, used alone or in combination with others. Twigs, due to their thorns, were granulated and valorized according to standards for application as fuel. The scheme offered in this study enables SBT agro-waste utilization and sustainable SBT berry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Yield, Plant Growth and Nutrient Elements in Strawberry Cultivation

by Hülya Sayğı

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129447 - 12 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1290

Abstract

In terms of sustainable economic activities, environmental and production costs of plant nutrition material in agricultural production and wastes that harm the environment, humans and living beings are two important problems. This study, which combines these two problems into a common denominator, aimed to obtain plant nutrition input with low environmental and production costs by using the wastes generated during the domestic consumption process in strawberry cultivation. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) for plant nutrition input and an Albion strawberry variety as a trial plant were used as research materials. In the study, where the random block trial design method was used, the effects of MSWC on plant growth, fruit quality characteristics and plant nutrient parameters were investigated. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the examined parameters (number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit taste, macro and micronutrient content in plant leaves) were positively affected according to the rate of use of MSWC. In the parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, 4 tons of MSWC applications in fruit weight, stem number, root length, plant width, leaf area, K and Ca parameters; 1.2 tons of MSWC applications in the number of fruits per plant and TA parameters; all MSWC applications in fruit yield per plant, pH, plant height, N, Mn and Cu parameters; 2 tons of MSWC applications in the TSS parameter and 1, 2 and 4 tons of MSWC applications in P and number of leaves per plant parameters gave better results compared to the control. Research findings support the idea that the use of MSWC as a plant nutrition input will provide both the production of plant nutrition input with low environmental and production costs and the prevention of the harms of waste to the environment, humans and living creatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

14 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Microwave- and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Techniques for Revalorization of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Fruit Pomace Anthocyanins

by Ivona Elez Garofulić, Maja Repajić, Zoran Zorić, Tomislav Jurendić and Verica Dragović-Uzelac

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097047 - 23 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1184

Abstract

Black chokeberry juice production results in a large amount of pomace, which is usually regarded as waste. Nevertheless, it contains significant amounts of anthocyanins, which can be utilized as health-promoting components, but also as food colorants. To take advantage of their benefits, green extraction methods such as microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) are widely used for their isolation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MAE and UAE parameters (solvent, treatment time, temperature, or ultrasound amplitude) on the extraction yield of anthocyanins from black chokeberry pomace and to compare the effectiveness of these two green extraction methods with conventional reflux extraction, both in terms of total anthocyanins yield and effects on individual compounds. In both techniques, acidification of the extraction solvent did not show a significant effect on anthocyanin content. For MAE, a temperature increase from 40 to 60 °C positively affected the extraction yield, while 4 min was a substantial treatment time for the extraction. Conversely, UAE required 10 min of treatment time with no effect on amplitude. UPLC ESI-MS² analysis confirmed the presence of 6 anthocyanins in the obtained extracts, with significantly higher levels of cyanidin-3-O-xyloside and cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside were in ones isolated by green extraction techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 1374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar from Grapevine-Pruning Residues Is Affected by Grapevine Rootstock and Pyrolysis Temperature

by Dominik Anđelini, Danko Cvitan, Melissa Prelac, Igor Pasković, Marko Černe, Ivan Nemet, Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Zoran Užila, Tea Zubin Ferri, Branka Njegić Džakula, Marko Petek, Dean Ban and Igor Palčić

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4851; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064851 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

In recent years, the production and application of biochar as a soil amendment produced from pruning residues has gained attention worldwide. Since the effect of grapevine rootstock type on grapevine-pruning residues used as feedstock for biochar production had not yet been researched, the present research was performed. Two grapevine rootstocks, different in vigor, were selected, with the hypothesis that they would affect their chemical composition and, consequently, the composition of the produced biochar. In this work, grapevine-pruning residues of the indigenous variety “Istrian Malvasia” (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted on 420A and SO4 rootstocks were analyzed and used for biochar production under three peak temperature programs (400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C). Higher pyrolysis temperature decreased yield but increased EC, ash, and TC content, as well as the content of most of the studied elements. On the other hand, grapevine rootstock type affected biochar EC, ash content, and specific surface area. Results showed that a more vigorous rootstock affects the produced biochar qualities by enhancing the above-mentioned properties. The present research showed that biochar produced from grapevine-pruning residues, especially at 500 °C or 600 °C, could be a valuable tool for the valorization of this biomass as a soil amendment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 2936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrolyzed or Composted Sewage Sludge Application Induces Short-Term Changes in the Terra Rossa Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities

by Nikola Major, Jasper Schierstaedt, Adam Schikora, Igor Palčić, Marko Černe, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Igor Pasković, Josipa Perković, Zoran Užila and Dean Ban

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811382 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1235

Abstract

The addition of compost or biochar to soils is a viable strategy to increase soil organic matter (SOM), especially if the amendments are produced from biomass wastes. The need for sustainable land management without sacrificing agricultural production is critical to alleviate negative impacts on soil quality, including loss of SOM and nutrients. Turning sewage sludge (SS) into compost or biochar can help in lowering its potential negative effects on soil and providing a viable strategy for SS management through its recycling in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of SS in its composted or biochar form on the fungal and bacterial communities of the Terra Rossa soil by high-throughput sequencing. A greenhouse pot trial was conducted using a 2-factor experiment consisting of amendment type (compost, biochar) and sampling time (Day 0, 30, and 60) as the main factors. The results showed no effect of SS addition on fungal and bacterial species richness, as well as a shift in relative abundance of the fungal phylum Zygomycota and bacterial phylum Firmicutes and Thermomicrobia. Both bacterial and fungal community analyses showed changes when composted sewage sludge was applied. However, only the fungal community differed from the control soil by the end of the 60-day vegetation period of Chinese cabbage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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Review

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14 pages, 2307 KiB

Open AccessReview

High-Value Utilization of Corn Straw: From Waste to Wealth

by Yanli Fu, Jie Zhang and Tianzhu Guan

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14618; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914618 - 9 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1522

Abstract

As a renewable lignocellulosic biomass resource, corn straw has great potential for waste utilization in agriculture and sustainable development. In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the research on repurposing organic acids, saccharides, and other active substances extracted from corn straw. This review is focused on the progress in the preparative techniques and product development of organic acids and saccharides, realizing the high-value utilization of corn straw. This review also discusses the potential applications of corn straw in the food and biopharmaceutical industries, and sheds light on the current challenges and future directions in the efficient utilization of straw resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reuse of Sludge as Organic Soil Amendment: Insights into the Current Situation and Potential Challenges

by Oumaima Mabrouk, Helmi Hamdi, Sami Sayadi, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Mohammed H. Abu-Dieyeh and Nabil Zouari

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086773 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2203

Abstract

Sludge generation as an organic by-product of wastewater treatment has seen a consistent increase worldwide due to population growth and industrial activities. This poses a chronic challenge regarding management options and environmental concerns. The agricultural valorization of unconventional organic materials has become inevitable, especially in semi-arid and arid countries that suffer from depleted soils and shortages in farm manure supply. High-income countries have also been interested in this recycling practice to mitigate landfilling or incineration issues. Sewage and some industrial sludges contain a complex mixture of beneficial and harmful substances, which varies with the origin of effluents. Therefore, sludge land application should be well managed in order to achieve sustainable agro-environmental goals. This review paper focuses on different aspects related to sludge reuse in agriculture, starting by investigating the diversity of sludge types and composition. In addition to the preponderant urban sewage sludge, the less-studied industrial sludges, such as those generated from pulp and paper mills or gas-to-liquid industries, are hereby addressed as well. Then, post-land application effects are discussed in relation to sludge quality, dose, and reuse conditions. The present paper also examines the disparities between guidelines that determine sludge conformity for land application in various countries or regions. Accordingly, special attention is given to increasing risks related to emerging pollutants in sludge such as pharmaceuticals, which have been overused since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. This exhaustive investigation will assist the establishment of sustainable strategies for the safe agricultural reuse of biosolids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Utilization in Agriculture and Sustainable Development)

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