Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Fermentation fermentation	3.3	3.8	2015	15.4 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Soil Systems soilsystems	2.9	5.3	2017	39.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

14 pages, 5963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Static Aeration and Conventional Turning Windrow Techniques: Physicochemical and Microbial Dynamics in Wine Residue Composting

by Rodrigo Morales-Vera, Alex Echeverría-Vega, Hernán Ríos-Rozas, Francisca Barrera-Valenzuela, Denisse Mellado-Quintanilla, Matthias Piesche, Rosa Roa-Roco and Sebastian Tramon

Fermentation 2025, 11(4), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11040197 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 254

Abstract

Chile, one of the top global wine producers, produces a significant quantity of grape pomace waste, composed primarily of peels and seeds, of which their management includes many environmental challenges. Composting offers a sustainable waste management solution, converting organic waste into a rich [...] Read more.

Chile, one of the top global wine producers, produces a significant quantity of grape pomace waste, composed primarily of peels and seeds, of which their management includes many environmental challenges. Composting offers a sustainable waste management solution, converting organic waste into a rich nutrient and beneficial microorganisms for soil amendment. This study compared traditional turning and static forced aeration composting systems using a mix of grape pomace (70 m³), wheat straw (15 m³), and manure (15 m³). The results show no significant differences in the final compost chemical quality between the two systems. Nevertheless, forced aeration (T1) influenced the bacterial community, particularly during the thermophilic stage, leading to a major differentiation compared to traditional composting (T0). Similar Shannon index values for bacterial diversity across stages suggest that both composting methods support comparable levels of bacterial diversity. However, the fungal communities exhibited more variability, likely due to the differences in temperature and aeration conditions between the windrows, which are known to affect fungal growth and activity. While both composting methods met the Chilean regulatory standards and achieved high-quality compost, the forced aeration system demonstrated advantages in temperature control, microbial diversity, and pathogen suppression, suggesting its potential for more efficient composting in similar agricultural contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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14 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cow Bone Addition on the Humification, Heavy Metals Passivation and Fate of Resistance Genes During Swine Manure Composting

by Shanshuai Chen, Xiaoqiang Feng, Maode Fu and Xin Jin

Fermentation 2024, 10(12), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10120603 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 964

Abstract

Bone meal has been used as economic and effective additive for heavy metals (HMs) pollution remediation due to the distinct components and structures that enable their favorable properties, such as its low cost, high adsorption capacity, acid-base adjustability, and ion-exchange capability. However, no [...] Read more.

Bone meal has been used as economic and effective additive for heavy metals (HMs) pollution remediation due to the distinct components and structures that enable their favorable properties, such as its low cost, high adsorption capacity, acid-base adjustability, and ion-exchange capability. However, no attempt has been made to establish whether cow bone could promote the passivation of HMs and the removal of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) during the composting process. Two sizes of cow bone (meal (T2) and granule (T3)) were added to investigate their effects on humification, HMs passivation and the abundance of ARGs and MRGs during swine manure composting. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM)-parallel factor analysis showed that the percentage of maximum fluorescence intensity of humic-like substances were higher in T2 (91.82%) than in T3 (88.46%), implying that T2 could promote the humification process compared to T3. In comparison with control (T1), the addition of T2 and T3 could promote the change of exchangeable Cu and reducible Cu into oxidizable Cu, thus reducing the mobility factors (MF) of Cu in T2 and T3 treatments by 10.48% and 6.98%, respectively. In addition, T2 and T3 could increase exchangeable Zn into reducible Zn and oxidizable Zn, thereby reducing the MF of Zn in T2 and T3 treatments by 18.80% and 2.0%, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that the total abundances of MRGs were decreased by 100% in T2 and T3 treatments, and T2 decreased the total relative abundance of ARGs. Furthermore, the relative abundance of ARGs and MRGs had significantly correlated with intI1 and bio-available of Cu and Zn, which was triggered by selective pressure of HMs and horizontal gene transfer. The present study suggested that cow bone meal as additives can be a feasible approach to promote the passivation of HMs and enhance the removal of MGRs and ARGs by decreasing horizontal gene transfer and selective pressure by bioavailable HMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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20 pages, 8922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Composting Process of Mongolian Horse Manure Utilizing Intelligent Composting Equipment

by Jian Wang, Kailin Ren, Yong Zhang, Longfei Zhang and Zhe Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092083 - 12 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1060

Abstract

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The [...] Read more.

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small-scale intelligent aeration and heating composting system is effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, with the objective of enhancing composting efficiency and resource utilization to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. The equipment was utilized to treat a compost mixture of Mongolian horse manure and corn stover, allowing for an analysis of the changes in key indicators throughout the composting process. The results demonstrated that the equipment maintained high temperatures for up to eight days during the composting process, effectively inactivating pathogens and promoting the efficient decomposition of organic matter. The system also successfully controlled humidity to 12.7% and maintained oxygen concentration within the optimal range. Post-composting analysis revealed that the final compost contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.3% phosphorus, and 1.2% potassium, with a pH of 6.4 and conductivity of approximately 5.2 mS/cm. Additionally, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio decreased significantly from 27.3 to 15.9, indicating substantial organic matter degradation. Seed germination tests showed germination rates of 80%, 86%, and 75% for corn, mung bean, and wheat, respectively, with a final seed germination index of 104%. This study concluded that the small aeration and heating composting equipment is highly effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, producing high-quality organic fertilizers that significantly enhance soil fertility and demonstrate considerable potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving environmental management in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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20 pages, 4766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Evolution of Stability and Maturity in Co-Composting Sheep Manure with Green Waste Using Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties and Statistical Analyses: A Case Study of Botanique Garden in Rabat, Morocco

by Majda Oueld Lhaj, Rachid Moussadek, Latifa Mouhir, Meriem Mdarhri Alaoui, Hatim Sanad, Oumaima Iben Halima and Abdelmjid Zouahri

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071573 - 19 Jul 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1384

Abstract

Organic waste utilization stands as a pivotal approach to ecological and economic sustainability. This study aimed to assess the stability, maturity, and evolution of co-composts comprising various blends of green waste (GW) and sheep manure (SM). Employing a diverse array of physico-chemical and [...] Read more.

Organic waste utilization stands as a pivotal approach to ecological and economic sustainability. This study aimed to assess the stability, maturity, and evolution of co-composts comprising various blends of green waste (GW) and sheep manure (SM). Employing a diverse array of physico-chemical and biological parameters, we investigated the co-composting process over 120 days. Three types of garden waste (mixture of green waste (MGW), fallen leaves (FL), and grass cutting (GC)) were utilized. The results revealed significant compost transformation, evident by odor and insect absence and a shift to dark brown coloration, indicating maturation. The compost C2, derived from FL, exhibited superior soil amendment potential. Significantly, it exhibited a pH level of 6.80, an EC of 2.45 mS/cm, and an OM content of 55%, along with a C/N ratio of 16.15. Analysis of the macronutrients revealed values of 1.98% for TN, 3.22% for TP, and 0.61% for K. Crucially, the compost showed no phytotoxic effects and boasted a high GI of 94.20% and a low respiration rate of 4.02 mg/50 g, indicating its stability and appropriateness for agricultural application. Our findings underscore compost’s potential as an eco-friendly soil amendment, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural management and supporting the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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16 pages, 2463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Biochar and Compost on Turfgrass Establishment Rates

by Jonathan Montgomery, David Crohn, Marco Schiavon, Jaime Barros Silva Filho, Bernd Leinauer and Milton E. McGiffen, Jr.

Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050960 - 2 May 2024

Viewed by 1901

Abstract

Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling. [...] Read more.

Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling. Establishment studies were conducted on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (syn., Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort and Lolium arundinaceum (Scop.) Holub) to assess the potential inhibition of establishment by compost and biochar products. Both green waste and biosolid compost impaired establishment rates, while biochar did not. In the field study, the green waste treatments were slower to reach 50% coverage than the untreated control or when biochar was added to the soil, but all treatments reached 75% and final coverage at a similar rate. Field application of compost had a positive effect on final root length and volume but a negative effect on tall fescue roots in the greenhouse. The negative effect of higher salts and volatiles in the biosolids compost was reduced when biosolids and biochar were incorporated into the soil simultaneously. This work represents one of the only large-scale field studies on turfgrass establishment comparing the impact of biochar and compost products on turfgrass establishment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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18 pages, 2205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composted Green Waste as a Peat Substitute in Growing Media for Vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) and Zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.)

by Li Ma and Lu Zhang

Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050897 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to explore the feasibility of replacing all or part of peat with composted green waste (CGW) for vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) and zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) cultivation. Seven different growing media were prepared [...] Read more.

The purpose of this work was to explore the feasibility of replacing all or part of peat with composted green waste (CGW) for vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) and zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) cultivation. Seven different growing media were prepared as follows (volume/volume): T1, 100% CGW; T2, 80% CGW + 20% peat; T3, 60% CGW + 40% peat; T4, 50% CGW + 50% peat; T5, 40% CGW + 60% peat; T6, 20% CGW + 80% peat; and T7, 100% peat. In the course of the experiment, the physicochemical properties of the seven media were analyzed, and the growth of vinca and zinnia was determined. Studies showed that replacing peat completely or partially with CGW could significantly enhance the nutrient content, bulk density, water-holding capacity, total porosity, aeration porosity, water-holding porosity, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity of growing media. In comparison with what observed with T7 (control), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), plant height (HP), root length (RL), flower number (FN), total chlorophyll, and the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the leaves of vinca cultivated under T5 conditions increased by 36%, 34%, 84%, 27%, 34%, 25%, 157%, 62%, 60%, and 33%, respectively; SFW, SDW, RFW, RDW, HP, RL, FN, total chlorophylls, and the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the leaves of zinnia increased by 341%, 296%, 365%, 302%, 206%, 93%, 180%, 56%, 49%, 67%, 110%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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25 pages, 7220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Opportunities and Barriers to Composting in a Municipal Context: A Case Study in São José dos Campos, Brazil

by Vanessa Rodrigues Pereira and Fabiana Alves Fiore

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083359 - 17 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a global challenge of a complex nature. The organic fraction of rapidly degrading MSW, which can be recycled via composting provided it is segregated at the source, is an incipient or non-existent practice in low- [...] Read more.

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a global challenge of a complex nature. The organic fraction of rapidly degrading MSW, which can be recycled via composting provided it is segregated at the source, is an incipient or non-existent practice in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the barriers and opportunities for composting MSW based on the perception of local stakeholders through a qualitative and quantitative exploratory case study in the municipality of São José dos Campos (SP). The study identified and interviewed local stakeholders engaged in composting in the territory, surveying the local market for organic agricultural inputs. Education, infrastructure, and social influence were the main factors that led to the decision to start composting. For home composting, the efficiency of generated waste diversion is from 42% to 59%, and management difficulties at the beginning of the practice are recurrent. Engaging people is the main challenge of community initiatives and 32% ended their composting activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vermicomposting can be an opportunity to value organic waste in the local market. The insights gleaned from the perceptions of local stakeholders provide valuable input for more effective planning within a municipal composting scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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22 pages, 11118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization and Experiment of Livestock and Poultry Manure Composting Equipment with Vented Heating

by Kailin Ren, Lide Su, Yong Zhang, Xiang He and Xuyang Cai

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411353 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

As livestock and poultry farming expands in China, the generation of fecal waste has significantly increased. Inadequate waste management can contribute to environmental pollution. This study seeks to optimize small-scale composting systems to address the inefficiencies and the limited automation of traditional composting [...] Read more.

As livestock and poultry farming expands in China, the generation of fecal waste has significantly increased. Inadequate waste management can contribute to environmental pollution. This study seeks to optimize small-scale composting systems to address the inefficiencies and the limited automation of traditional composting equipment. We redesigned the mixing blades and refined the ventilation heating system, establishing an efficient mixing mechanism and an energy-saving ventilation heating system. A control system, incorporating Monitor and Control Generated System and Programmable logic Controller, was developed for real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities, substantially enhancing automation levels. The optimization proved effective by reducing the composting cycle from 13 days to 11.5 days, increasing the GI value from 83% to 89%, and lowering the humidity from 8.9% to 8.1%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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16 pages, 2058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Maize Compost in a Mediterranean Agricultural Soil: Implications for Carbon Sequestration

by Layla M. San-Emeterio, José M. De la Rosa, Heike Knicker, Rafael López-Núñez and José A. González-Pérez

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030769 - 7 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

Compost amendments, apart from improving fertility and the general characteristics of agricultural soils, have known implications for global C cycling and sequestration in soils. Their effects are usually assessed via the quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, usually labile (fast) and recalcitrant [...] Read more.

Compost amendments, apart from improving fertility and the general characteristics of agricultural soils, have known implications for global C cycling and sequestration in soils. Their effects are usually assessed via the quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, usually labile (fast) and recalcitrant (slow) pools, with varying intrinsic decomposition rates and distinct resident times. However, the real C-sequestration potential of organic additions to soil is still under discussion. In this study, a field trial and a lab incubation experiment were designed to study the C-sequestration mechanism in an agricultural Mediterranean soil. Soil with a history of C3 photosystem crop was amended with two maize composts from maize harvesting surpluses (C4 photosystem) with different maturity stages (AC: aged compost; NC: new, less mature compost). The evolution of SOM was monitored for 6 months using complementary analytical techniques, including analysis of stable C isotopes (IRMS), thermogravimetry (TG) and C-stock and priming effect (PE) modelling. Based on the natural C-isotope labelling, the proportion of new C was calculated. More than 50% of the C added to the soil with the compost was incorporated into the SOM in only 6 months. However, the application of maize compost did not always enhance soil C-sequestration capacity. The addition of compost caused a general PE, enhancing SOM decay and reducing the fast (labile) SOM mean residence time (MRT) (11.2 days). This was more pronounced with the addition of a higher dose of AC, causing a PE up to a 718%. On the other hand, a higher MRT (54.4 days) occurred in soils with NC applied, likely due to its deleterious effects, limiting heterotrophic activity. Despite that, the average MRT of the slow (recalcitrant) SOM pool was lower than usually reported. The application of higher doses of both composts generally showed greater MRT values compared to control (1.7 years vs. 3.8 and 2.9 years for NC and AC, respectively), leading to an increase in this more stable C pool and effective soil C sequestration. The results described in this work may help readers to better understand SOM dynamics and may be of use in designing appropriate management strategies for improving OM quantity and quality and to optimize C storage in Mediterranean soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)

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