Circular Economy in Agriculture through Waste Valorization and Recycling

Dear Colleagues,

Agriculture has traditionally been a sector where the fundamental concepts of circularity and the valorization of waste have always been present, albeit in an elementary and fragmented form, linked to the necessary efficient use of the scarce resources available. This approach requires a shift in mindset and a holistic view of agriculture, where the focus is not only on maximizing yields and productivity, but also on minimizing waste and environmental impact. This can be achieved through practices such as recycling organic waste into compost, using by-products as feed or energy sources, and implementing sustainable farming techniques that promote biodiversity and soil health. Furthermore, the advent of new technologies such as precision agriculture, IoT devices, and data analytics can play a crucial role in optimizing resource use and reducing waste in agriculture. By monitoring and analyzing various parameters such as soil health, weather conditions, and crop growth, farmers can make informed decisions that contribute to a more sustainable and circular agricultural system.

The aim of this Special Issue is to address the reduction in waste generation, promote resource efficiency, increase the sustainability and resilience of agricultural and agri-food systems, and contribute to the development of a circular bioeconomy. In particular, this Special Issue welcomes contributions that address various aspects related to the conversion of linear agricultural and agri-food systems into circular ones. This includes, but is not limited to, studies on waste valorization technologies, innovative biorefinery processes, waste-to-energy conversion methods, resource recovery and upcycling strategies, and circular economy business models in the agricultural and agri-food sectors.

We encourage researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to submit original research articles, reviews, case studies, and perspectives that provide insights and solutions to accelerate the transition towards a circular bioeconomy in agriculture and agri-food systems.

Soil fertility is a critical component of agricultural productivity, and maintaining healthy soil is essential for sustainable agriculture. However, traditional chemical fertilizers can have negative environmental impacts, such as contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and polluting waterways. To address these challenges, researchers and industry partners can collaborate to develop and test innovative technologies for producing fertilizers, biofertilizers, and soil improvers that are environmentally friendly and support soil fertility. This may include using techniques such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable production methods to create products that are tailored to the specific needs of different soil types and crops. Testing and validating these technologies in field trials and controlled experiments can help to ensure their efficacy and environmental sustainability. Monitoring key indicators such as soil nutrient levels, crop yields, and greenhouse gas emissions can provide valuable data on the performance of these products and their impact on soil health and climate change mitigation. These approaches can help to improve the sustainability and efficiency of agriculture by recycling waste materials and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. By using integrated technologies and processes, nutrient recovery and water reuse can be maximized while also reducing the environmental impact of agricultural activities. Additionally, the production of value-added organic fertilizers and soil amendments can contribute to soil health and biodiversity, ultimately leading to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices.

In this Special Issue, we are seeking contributions that demonstrate work towards creating a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agri-food sector that maximizes the value of resources, minimizes waste generation, and contributes to a more circular economy. Join us in this mission to transform our linear agricultural and agri-food systems into circular ones for a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the circular economy approach in agriculture represents a promising direction towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. By embracing principles of circularity, the valorization of waste, and efficient resource use, farmers can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also improve their bottom line and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

We cordially invite and welcome all kinds of articles (full research manuscripts, review/mini-review articles, opinion papers, technical notes and commentaries) including, but not limited to, the above research areas.

Submitted contributions must imply a clear link to agronomy as a prerequisite for consideration in this Special Issue. We particularly welcome experimental studies; however, we also encourage studies comprising life-cycle assessments and socioeconomic evaluations on the outlined topics.

We look forward to receiving your valued contributions to our Special Issue of Agronomy, entitled "Potential Bioenergy and Biofertiliser Production from Circular Waste Management".

Dr. Carlo Greco
Dr. Vito Armando Laudicina
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

• anaerobic digestion of biowaste, agricultural wastes, and residues
• co-products of anaerobic digestion
• organic waste management
• biomethane
• circular bioeconomy
• digestate valorization
• energy efficiency in agriculture
• renewable energy in agriculture
• waste to energy
• agro-energy supply chain
• compost
• vermicompost
• precision agriculture applied in circular bioeconomy