Search

Identifying pathways to circular agriculture requires a profound understanding of nutrient flows and losses throughout the food system, and of interactions between biophysical conditions, land use, food production and food consumption. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) flows of the food system of the North-Netherlands (NN) region and of its 30 subregions varying in biophysical and socio-economic conditions. The food system included agriculture, food processing, consumption, and waste processing. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and the nutrient cycling counts were calculated. Results show a low NUE (25%) and PUE (59%) of the food system. External inputs were used to maintain high yields and production. Nutrient cycling was very limited with losses from agriculture ranging from 143 to 465 kg N ha−1 y−1 and 4 to 11 kg P ha−1 y−1. Food system losses ranged from 181 to 480 kg N ha−1 y−1 and from 7 to 31 kg P ha−1 y−1 and varied with biophysical conditions, population density and farming systems. Large losses were associated with livestock farming and farming on drained peat soils. Food system efficiency was strongly associated with the utilization of produce. We conclude that increasing circularity requires tailoring of agriculture to local biophysical conditions and food system redesign to facilitate nutrient recycling. Steps towards circularity in NN include: matching livestock production to feed supply from residual flows and lands unsuitable for food crops, diversifying crop production to better match local demand and increasing waste recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long history of circular agriculture is characterized by theoretical and practical exploration tracing back to ancient agricultural civilizations in China. Circular agriculture has already been engaged to combine millet cultivation and pig farming at the Dadiwan site in Qin'an, China, during the Neolithic period more than 5,500 years ago. Various modes of ecological cycle have been applied over the course of several thousand years in conventional Chinese agriculture, such as ricefish farming, mulberry-based fish ponds, crop rotation complementarity, and courtyard economy. Since the reform and openingup, remarkable achievements have been realized to clarify the ecological balance and resource recycling. But the agriculture still relies heavily on the extensive use of agricultural inputs, like fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural films, leading to the increasingly prominent issues of environmental pollution and ecological damage. The agricultural growth mode is required to reduce the input, consumption, and pollution. Therefore, it is very necessary to enhance the utilization and recycling levels of agricultural resources in circular and sustainable agriculture. Circular agriculture is significantly practical and has far-reaching strategic importance. New productive forces can also be developed in green and high-quality agriculture. This article aims to clarify the essential connotation of circular agriculture. The concept of green development was dominated by constructing circular agriculture. A multi-level material and energy recycling system was then realized via technological innovation and management. A closed-loop production model was obtained with low material input, high efficiency of resource utilization, and low environmental pollution. Four key characteristics of circular agriculture were proposed: source reduction, process recycling, high-value output, and low-carbon process. Four achievements were also highlighted, including the reduction of input quantity with high efficiency, the high level of waste resource utilization, the pollution and carbon reduction, as well as industrial value-added and efficiency enhancement. The development mode of circular agriculture was summarized from three perspectives: Firstly, the implementation subject was divided into small-scale circulation among individuals, medium-scale circulation among industries, and large-scale social circulation; Secondly, industrial composition was divided into the internal circulation within the planting industry, circulation between planting and breeding, circulation among planting, breeding, and processing, as well as the production-lifestyle circulation; Thirdly, core linkage was divided into the circular agriculture mode that linked by fertilization, energization, feed production, substrate production, and raw material production. A summary was also given on circular agriculture: Firstly, the top-level design was still limited to coordinating some measures in different planting and breeding segments. It was difficult for the key "links" to form a "chain" and then create a joint force; Secondly, technological equipment was required to upgrade technological equipment, such as high energy consumption, low stability, and efficiency; Thirdly, some regulations were still required for the circular agriculture. Previously, much effort was focused mostly on pollution prevention and control. It was still lacking specific regulations tailored to circular agriculture; Fourthly, it was still lacking decision-making on the subsidy policies at the national level. The advanced experiences of developed countries were also summarized in circular agriculture, including comprehensive legal systems, integrated models tailored to local conditions, mature and sound management, advanced and practical technological equipment, as well as publicity and education. Finally, the practices of circular agriculture were drawn from the developed countries, according to the national conditions. Key points and paths were proposed to develop circular agriculture: Firstly, the internal circulation system of the planting industry was optimized, and suitable models upgraded, according to the local conditions. The waste collection, storage, and transportation were optimized to focus on the critical step of straw decomposition, and high-value-added functional products; Secondly, the planting and breeding circulation were also reconstructed to explore and implement the nutrient management. Technological equipment was developed for nutrient loss control. A long-term mechanism was obtained for planting and breeding circulation; Thirdly, the production, processing, and sales circulation were extended to strengthen the raw material loss reduction, processing loss reduction, and comprehensive utilization of processing by-products; Fourthly, the production and lifestyle circulation were improved for the classification and collection of perishable wastes in the collaborative treatment of production and lifestyle waste. Meanwhile, specific paths were obtained to promote structural adjustment, and scientific and technological support. A number of demonstration projects were conducted to develop circular agriculture and agricultural power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular agriculture is an inevitable trend in the sustainable development of global agriculture. At present, there are issues such as insufficient utilization of resources, serious land pollution, and lack of technical support in circular agricultural ecological parks. This study explores the safe application of organic fertilizer to field crops within circular agricultural ecological parks. A peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) crop rotation system was selected to research safe application methods of biogas residues on the peanut–wheat–maize crop rotation system. In this experiment, we set up different amounts of biogas residues as the base fertilizers, with no fertilizer and only chemical fertilizer treatments serving as controls. We determined the yield, quality, heavy metal content, and nutrient uptake of wheat, maize, and peanuts, as well as soil nutrient content and heavy metal content under different biogas residue application rates. The results of the experiment are as follows: (1) Biogas residue as a base fertilizer increased the yield of peanuts, wheat, and maize. The highest yield for each crop occurred when the biogas residue amount was 67,500 kg hm−2, with yield increases of 36.7%, 26.6%, and 14.1% for peanuts, wheat, and maize, respectively, compared to the no fertilizer treatment. (2) The application of biogas residue improved the seed quality of peanuts, wheat, and maize. The B3 treatment showed strong quality improvement potential, increasing peanut crude protein content by 3.92–7.48%, soluble sugar content by 36.99–49.70%, crude fat content by 0.95–3.27%, wheat crude protein content by 2.22–8.72%, soluble sugar content by 6.21–8.51%, maize crude protein content by 2.87–3.61%, and soluble sugar content by 21.62–28.05% compared to the control. (3) The application of biogas residue enhanced the uptake of nutrients by crops and increased the contents of effective nutrients in the soil. (4) The application of biogas residue did not cause excessive accumulation of heavy metals in crops and soil. In conclusion, the application of biogas residue positively impacts crop growth, quality, and soil health in circular agricultural ecological parks, and has potential in agricultural production systems. Future research should focus on determining the optimal ratio of organic and chemical fertilizers, their efficient use, and the mechanisms by which organic fertilizer application can increase crop yield and quality, as well as improve soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world's population increases, the growing demand for food intensifies the generation of agricultural waste, leading to several environmental issues. Intensive research indicates black soldier fly (BSF) larvae Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) as efficient converters of organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass suitable for animal feed. Using a structured questionnaire and volunteer farmers (N = 595), we investigated the potential for adoption of BSF larvae composting technology for sustainable agricultural waste management in Greater Ahafo-Ano. Almost all surveyed farmers declared they generated a significant amount of biowaste on their farms and were willing to learn how to use the BSF-based technology to transform it into value-added products. The waste generated was mainly disposed of in pits at Ahafo-Ano South-East (56.2%), by composting at AhafoAno South-West (34.9%) and by sale at Ahafo-Ano North (34.4%). Across the three districts, awareness of the BSF was very low - 14.5% in Ahafo-Ano South-East, 14.1% in Ahafo-Ano South-West and 0.5% in Ahafo-Ano North. However, high acceptance of the technology was recorded. It was found that about 8% of farmers surveyed in Ahafo-Ano South-East had already tried BSF farming on a small scale. Indicating this district as a good entry point to introduce the technology into Greater Ahafo-Ano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this evaluation is to analyze the economic viability of the implementation of circular models in agriculture in Tarma, Peru. This involves examining the costs and benefits associated with the adoption of circular practices, as well as identifying possible barriers and opportunities for their implementation at the local level. By better understanding the economic landscape, it will be possible to inform decision-making both at the government level and at the level of individual farmers. For the analysis, we have a committee of 30 experts who will evaluate the relationship between variables that positively or negatively affect the implementation of these models in the town. The tool selected for the analysis is Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps, which includes an indeterminacy component within the calculations. This allows greater accuracy in the results since indeterminacy is an inherent part of prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the economy, but it also generates many residues and waste that are only partially used (as, for example, feed, litter, and fertilizer). The resulting residues and waste can be valuable components for other sectors of the economy (e.g., energy), contributing to the implementation of a circular economy. The main aim of the research is to assess the diversity of the biomass potential from agricultural residues in the context of the level of organization of agricultural production and circular agriculture in Poland at the local level (314 counties). The level of organization of agricultural production was determined using the synthetic measure based on four variables (average farm size, number of tractors per farm, share of farms producing for the market, and the number of AWU per 100 ha of UAA). The potential of agricultural biomass was estimated on the basis of existing surpluses of straw, hay, energy crops grown on marginal lands, and residues from orchard maintenance. The data came from the General Agricultural Census conducted by the Polish Statistical Office in 2020. The conducted research showed that over 75% of counties are characterized by a high and medium level of organization of agricultural production. However, unused biomass resources from agricultural production residues are common (2/3 of counties are characterized by high and medium potential). There is a positive relationship between the level of biomass potential from agricultural residues and the level of organization of agricultural production at the local level in Poland, but the strength of this relationship is weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the role that cereal crop byproducts could play in a circular economy context in Romania. The study focuses on the quantification of biomass availability using Residue-to-Product Ratio (RPR) and estimating the bioenergy potentials by means of Lower Heating Value (LHV) calculations for a variety of byproducts of vegetal crops. Results show that cereal crop side products an important source of biomass and hence offer opportunities for bioenergy and circular agricultural systems. However, in an effort to balance the approach of biomass utilization, sustainability issues related to soil health and food security are also discussed. This work emphasizes the importance of considering environmental and economic advantages in contributing to a circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I study why and how Soviet planners organized a scheme to collect food waste from Soviet residential buildings and food service establishments in Moscow and other cities and utilize it as a feedstock for pork production. By relying on sociologist Zsuzsa Gille’s “waste regime” concept and a great variety of primary sources, I analyze the Soviet “garbage feeding scheme” as a social institution that patterned the social behavior of actors who engaged with food waste in the USSR from the early 1930s until the beginning of the 1980s. I argue that Soviet planners, informed by zootechnics, perceived garbage feeding as a way to reconcile their goal to increase meat production with the reality of continuous grain shortages. As such, they imparted food waste with the economic meaning that it could be turned into other commodities – wheat and meat. I demonstrate that the Soviet garbage feeding scheme never became a success, as the collection of food waste that laid dispersed across many locations in cities posed too big of an organizational challenge for the USSR’s centralized bureaucracy, and because planners did not succeed at integrating Soviet citizens into its scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variabilities continue to hinder sustainable food production with an increasing need to use resources such as water and soil efficiently. The quest for these efficiencies in agriculture systems drives innovations among farmers. However, limited data on farm practices, such as irrigating with fishpond water and their effects on soil health, hinder their adoption as climate-smart innovations. In a nearly twenty-year-old vineyard with two distinct irrigation practices (irrigation with recycled fishpond water and irrigation with ditch water), this study was carried out as an exploratory study to investigate the influence of recycling fishpond water on soil health parameters and yield. Soil samples were taken from two different irrigation fields in summer and winter for lab analysis on soil health parameters (organic matter and carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration). Averages over the two seasons of field measurements indicate that long-term irrigation using recycling fishpond water increased the measured soil health parameters (organic matter (13%), organic carbon (30%), nitrogen (17%), phosphorus (46%), microbial biomass (18%), and microbial respiration (56%)) in both summer and winter months when compared to fields receiving just ditchwater irrigation. Using water in a way that can improve soil health increases biodiversity and improves the efficiency of our limited water resources in semi-arid agricultural lands, and this strategy is a climate-smart tool that can help reduce water risks in dry agricultural regions such as Arizona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of peatlands with an integrated system of maize and cattle is an alternative to circular agriculture in peatland areas that can increase economic growth in rural areas which is environmentally friendly and sustainable (green economy). This study aims to obtain a circular agriculture model with zero waste management based on the integration of maize and cattle which is environmentally friendly and sustainable in peatland areas, in addition to increasing the added value and farmers' income. This circular agriculture model utilizes site-specific technological innovations and local resources that can restore sustainability in the peatland. The analysis methods used were before-and-after study analysis, baseline surveys, field trials using an experimental design and analysis of variance, financial analysis, and institutional engineering. To achieve this goal, two sub-models were implemented, namely a rural agro-industrial approach based on local agricultural resources by managing appropriate site-specific technological innovations (on-farm) and a local human resource approach through rural institutional engineering, that is farmers’ institutional initiation, development, empowerment, and institutional strengthening of agribusiness (off-farm). The results showed that the circular rural agricultural management model on integrating maize and cattle as a benchmark could increase farmers' income in the peatland areas by more than 208 % from IDR 4,760,000 to IDR 14,600,000 per month. The management of peatlands through circular agriculture can improve quality products and add value to the utilization of waste such as animal feed products (silage), organic fertilizers, and biourine. This rural circular agriculture model is carried out by social engineering, initiation, and strengthening of rural agribusiness institutions that are environmentally friendly so that they can be sustainable.

Policymakers and scientists regard emerging circular initiatives as levers for transformations towards more sustainable food systems. However, it remains unclear how to determine the extent to which circular initiatives have transformative potential. That is, can these initiatives foster a transformation as a result of how they currently bring circularity into practice? In the transformation literature, the characteristics of transformative initiatives are conceptualised in a generic and abstract way. To address this gap, we develop a heuristic of five characteristics for potentially transformative circular agriculture initiatives, which we illustrate with examples of existing initiatives. The heuristic builds on the 'small wins' and circular agriculture literature. Initiatives that hold transformative potential contribute to circular agriculture principles with outcomes that are concrete, in-depth and both technological and social in nature. Additionally, these initiatives faced barriers and overcame them. The heuristic enables policymakers, who call for circular solutions, to identify truly transformative circular initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of cull potato piles is a concern because they take up space and harbor potato-associated pathogens. Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, larvae are an increasingly popular agent for converting organic wastes into ingredients for animal feeds. In this investigation, their ability to process cull potato waste was assessed. Potato tubers were suitable for larval development, but only following their disintegration through thermal or mechanical means. Optimal bioconversion was observed when potato substrate was provided at a rate of 1 g per larva. The presence of ground turkey meat and sawdust was generally beneficial to larval development and biomass accumulation. The presence of potato foliage in diet showed no negative effects on larval development and there was no glycoalkaloid bioaccumulation in larval tissues. Evidence from this investigation suggests that culled potato waste may be recycled using black soldier fly larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry leaves of date palms (DPs) are by-products of date cultivation that are often mismanaged in oasis agroecosystems. Ideally, they should be upcycled in a circular agriculture model before producing and exporting high-value products. Compost inputs enhance soil organic matter and conserve soil. This study investigated composting of four mixtures based on farming system requirements and the availability of organic resources. The DPs were used alone or combined with sheep manure and rock phosphate. We experimented with farm-scale windrow composting to improve understanding and support decision-making. The results showed that temperature increased rapidly to 70 °C at the beginning of composting in the mixtures with manure. Organic matter content decreased by 40% in all windrows during composting, which indicated organic matter mineralisation and loss of volatile solids. Composting DP with or without sheep manure for 136 days with two turnings conserved nitrogen and increased the nitrogen content of compost. Mixing DP with sheep manure and rock phosphate increased the final total phosphorus content of compost to 0.52% (dry matter basis). Our results highlight that composting DP is a feasible alternative to improve circularity in oasis agroecosystems, by increasing organic matter content and fertiliser value, thus paving the way for sustainable production of high-value products from DP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular agriculture is vital to achieve a substantial reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Optimizing resources and land use are an essential circularity principle. The objective of this article is to assess the extent to which land optimization can simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and increase production on dairy farms. In addition, we explore the potential reduction of GHG emissions under four different pathways. The empirical application combines the network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with the by‐production approach. This study focuses on a representative sample of Dutch dairy farms over the period of 2010–2019. Our results suggest that farms can simultaneously increase production and reduce GHG emissions by both 5.1%. However, only 0.6% can be attributed to land optimization. The land optimization results show that on average 25.3% of total farm size should be allocated to cropland, which is 6.7% more than the actual land allocation. GHG emissions could be reduced by 11.79% without changing the level of inputs and outputs. This can be achieved by catching up with the mitigation practices of the best performing peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice–crayfish coculture systems (RCSs) have been widely promoted in China as an efficient circular agriculture model that can simultaneously improve rice quality, raise the efficiency of utilization of resources, and increase farmers' incomes. However, the herd behavior of farmers in the adoption of the rice–crayfish coculture system warrants more attention, as the rational adoption of this system by farmers is a prerequisite for achieving the above objectives. This paper analyses the formation mechanism of farmers' herd behavior based on information cascade theory. Using micro-survey data from 603 farmers in China and a bivariate probit model, we examine the existence of herding effects in the adoption of RCSs by farmers and the inhibitory effect of information acquisition capability on herd behavior. To address possible endogeneity issues, we also conducted a robustness test using the IV-probit model. Furthermore, we tested for between-group differences in agricultural income between farmers with herding adoption and non-herding adoption. The study reveals that the larger the number of prior adopters, the higher the probability of blind adoption behavior by farmers, indicating the existence of a herd effect. Information acquisition ability could significantly inhibit the herd behavior of farmers in the adoption of RCSs. We also found that farmers' herd behavior in the adoption of these systems was not economically rational. Based on the research findings, we proposed several constructive suggestions for policy perfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research is the property of Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agricultural production activities generate a large amount of waste, most of which is of organic origin from plant remains. These residues could easily be transformed into a resource, specifically, into a substrate for use in soilless cultivation; however, in most cases, they are not used. Therefore, a characterization of local agricultural residues was carried out to determine their use as a substrate for crop cultivation without soil in a protected environment. The selected substrates were Sphagnum peat, coir fiber, and compost, which were managed alone or in mixtures of 50/50, 75/25, or 25/75% v/v ratios. We also included a mixture of virgin mountain soil and earthworm humus (known as INIA mixture) because it is used by local growers. The results showed that the substrates based on coir fiber, peat, and mixtures of both presented suitable characteristics for horticultural crops. On the contrary, compost-based substrates had high pH values and low organic matter contents that could be improved before use. The relationship found between the evaluated parameters of each substrate allowed us to establish that variables, such as the content of organic matter and water at different tensions and particle sizes, can be utilized to make a quick selection of the substrates produced locally, which would lead to the use of waste in a way that is more consistent with sustainable agricultural production and minimal environmental impact, by being used in the production of crops in containers without soil. In addition, these results can be used as an alternative reference in localities where these residues are easily available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green transition is an urgent need for all countries, but there are many challenges in its implementation, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. This study was carried out through an analysis of relevant policies and a case study of conversion from rice monoculture to an integrated rice‐shrimp farming system in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The results showed that Vietnam has many policies, strategies, and plans to promote economic transformation toward sustainable, green, low emission, and climate change adaptation. However, the implementation of these policies in practice still faces some difficulties. The case study's result revealed that the rice‐shrimp model is suitable and brings many benefits to society, economy, and environment. The success of the transition depends on many factors including initiative, creativity, and consensus at the local level. A theoretical framework was built to promote the transition toward green and sustainable development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feed-food competition for environmental and economic resources raises increasing concerns about the production and supply of protein for the global livestock sector. Risks to food-security and approaching deadlines for global sustainable development, means exploring alternative protein feed ingredients is imperative. This Review discusses the potential for soilless, local and circular protein feed sources to provide solutions for key sustainability and food-security threats to the global livestock sector, through their partial incorporation in future livestock feeds and feeding systems. In doing so, it offers a holistic insight into the potential opportunities, but also risks associated with such alternatives. Through this analysis, a four-point strategic plan is synthesized to facilitate higher-level policy making that may enable implementation of these alternative ingredients at commercial scales, building toward a more sustainable and resilient livestock industry.

Climate variabilities continue to hinder sustainable food production with an increasing need to use resources such as water and soil efficiently. The quest for these efficiencies in agriculture systems drives innovations among farmers. However, limited data on farm practices, such as irrigating with fishpond water and their effects on soil health, hinder their adoption as climate-smart innovations. In a nearly twenty-year-old vineyard with two distinct irrigation practices (irrigation with recycled fishpond water and irrigation with ditch water), this study was carried out as an exploratory study to investigate the influence of recycling fishpond water on soil health parameters and yield. Soil samples were taken from two different irrigation fields in summer and winter for lab analysis on soil health parameters (organic matter and carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration). Averages over the two seasons of field measurements indicate that long-term irrigation using recycling fishpond water increased the measured soil health parameters (organic matter (13%), organic carbon (30%), nitrogen (17%), phosphorus (46%), microbial biomass (18%), and microbial respiration (56%)) in both summer and winter months when compared to fields receiving just ditchwater irrigation. Using water in a way that can improve soil health increases biodiversity and improves the efficiency of our limited water resources in semi-arid agricultural lands, and this strategy is a climate-smart tool that can help reduce water risks in dry agricultural regions such as Arizona.

Waste from apple juice and cider industries (pomace) compares poorly against spent grains and other relatively high-nutrient wastes as a substrate for bioconversion by the black soldier fly (BSF: Hermetia illucens). However, global pomace production exceeds 24 million tonnes annually and novel management approaches are required to reduce waste to landfill. We examined the effects of BSF inoculation densities (intraspecific competition) and larval size categories on cohort weight gains and apple pomace waste reduction. We found that, by increasing larval densities, cohort biomass and bioconversion rates (BRs) increased; however, at very high densities (overcrowding), BRs declined and cohorts lost weight. Furthermore, larger larval size classes accelerated substrate desiccation, possibly because of greater demands for water by older larvae. Larger larvae have slower relative growth rates and BRs compared to smaller size categories and require comparatively less dry weight substrate. Our results suggest that overcrowding on low-nutrient substrates reduces BRs and could exaggerate differences between BSF relative performances in comparative studies, particularly if intraspecific interference competition for space and exploitation competition for water diminish BSF weight returns at the end of the bioconversion cycle. We make a series of recommendations for the use of BSF in pomace waste reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 8 and 15 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) are produced as global waste each year. To reduce waste to landfill, SCG are proposed as a carbon and nutrient source for degraded soils. SCG contain caffeine and other toxins that inhibit plant growth. However, they also repel slugs and snails. We examined whether partial decomposition can neutralize SCG to promote plant growth while maintaining anti-herbivore properties. We aged SCG for <1 to 14 months and also produced SCG-derived Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) frass. The aged SCG and frass were applied, either incorporated into soil or as a 1 cm top-dressing, to pots with radish and tomato seedlings. SCG treatments were also examined for direct (repellent) and indirect (plant-mediated) effects on four slug species (Arion ater, Deroceras laeve, Derocerus reticulatum and Lehmannia marginata). SCG of ≤7 months inhibited plant growth and development and reduced herbivory when incorporated into soil, whereas 14-month-old SCG promoted growth but had no effect on herbivory. When applied as a top-dressing, SCG at 7 months promoted growth and reduced herbivory through repellent and host quality effects—including possible systemic effects. Our results indicate that the benefits of SCG for radish and tomato growth and to reduce slug herbivory can be achieved simultaneously by applying partially decomposed SCG (aged for up to 8 months) as a top-dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recoupling of livestock and crop production by recycling of animal manure in croplands is urgently needed to achieve a sustainable agricultural development. However, an insufficient understanding of the resources and environmental performance of recoupling and the synergies and trade-offs among multiple sustainable development goals hinders the implementation of best management practices. Here, by combining footprint and life-cycle analyses, we distinguished two coupling degrees (semi-coupling, in which only solid manure is returned to croplands, and full coupling, which involves the return of both solid and liquid manure) and three coupling modes to quantitatively assess the influence of recoupling management measures on nitrogen (N) utilization, water and energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Our results showed that conventional full coupling (FCPC) enhanced the system's N use efficiency and reduced reactive N (Nr) loss and the water footprint by 14 and 29 %, respectively, compared with semi-coupling (SCP), the status quo in most of China's livestock farms. However, FCPC slightly increased GHG emissions, mainly because of energy-water tradeoffs. An enhanced full coupling mode designed based on the water-energy-food nexus (FCPN) reduced the energy footprint and GHG emissions by 74 and 12 %, respectively, compared with SCP. Because FCPN additionally alleviated the pollution shift effect, the water footprint was further reduced by 34 % compared with SCP. Transforming from SCP to FCPC and FCPN offered a total social benefit, which integrates resource and environmental performances, of approximately 537 and 694 yuan t−1 milk at an implementation cost of 396 and 401 yuan t−1 milk, respectively. Our research fills a knowledge gap related to the quantification of recoupling impacts on the water-energy-food nexus and provides a solution for the collaborative optimization of multiple objectives in China and other countries facing the same challenges in livestock revolution. • The water-energy-food nexus in crop-livestock coupled systems was clarified. • Conventional recoupling reduced N loss and water footprint but increased GHG due to W-E tradeoffs. • Upgrading recoupling based on WEF nexus achieved multi-objective collaborative optimization. • Transforming to upgraded recoupling gained net social benefit but needed economic incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AnMBR for hydroponic CEA was evaluated against CAS for soil-based agriculture, with a semi-quantitative comparison. • Both decentralized wastewater reclamation and food production hold promise for a sustainable and circular economy. • Perspectives and challenges of integrating AnMBR with hydroponic CEA are discussed. • Addressing regulatory gaps is essential for promoting wastewater reuse in hydroponic CEA. • We underscore key areas for future research exploration. Advancements in anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology have opened up exciting possibilities for sustaining precise water quality control in wastewater treatment and reuse. This approach not only presents an opportunity for energy generation and recovery but also produces an effluent that can serve as a valuable nutrient source for crop cultivation in hydroponic controlled environment agriculture (CEA). In this perspective article, we undertake a comparative analysis of two approaches to municipal wastewater utilization in agriculture. The conventional method, rooted in established practices of conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment for soil/land-based agriculture, is contrasted with a new paradigm that integrates AnMBR technology with hydroponic (soilless) CEA. This work encompasses various facets, including wastewater treatment efficiency, effluent quality, resource recovery, and sustainability metrics. By juxtaposing the established methodologies with this emerging synergistic model, this work aims to shed light on the transformative potential of the integration of AnMBR and hydroponic-CEA for enhanced agricultural sustainability and resource utilization. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current food system is not sustainable. Circular agriculture aims to save the environment and produce food sustainably by closing nutrient cycles, possibly without improving animal welfare. This paper proposes a new conceptual framework, called a circular welfare economy (CWE), to facilitate a transition towards a sustainable agriculture based on integrity. The CWE framework explains how welfare relates to circular agriculture, how potential conflicts can be solved and what future livestock farming could look like. CWE applies the notion of circularity to welfare defined as the quality of life as perceived by the individual itself. CWE also identifies human integrity, defined as being open and honest, as a sine qua non for sustainability. Animal-welfare problems arise when animals are merely used as a means, e.g., for profits. Instead, profits and circular agriculture are means to the end of welfare. In a CWE, welfare is promoted sustainably, without causing undue need frustration in other individuals. This requires informed moral decision-making involving human integrity and the closure of welfare-related feedback loops. Conflicts between circular agriculture and animal welfare are solved by weighing all welfare needs impartially. Three future scenarios are presented: Animal-welfare-exclusive circular agriculture, which resembles modern intensive livestock farming, animal rights agriculture without livestock farming, and a CWE-based agriculture which integrates circular agriculture and animal welfare. In the latter case, we will not use animals merely as a means to close nutrient cycles, but take every effort, openly and honestly, to understand and benefit their points of view as we do our own.

Agricultural production activities generate a large amount of waste, most of which is of organic origin from plant remains. These residues could easily be transformed into a resource, specifically, into a substrate for use in soilless cultivation; however, in most cases, they are not used. Therefore, a characterization of local agricultural residues was carried out to determine their use as a substrate for crop cultivation without soil in a protected environment. The selected substrates were Sphagnum peat, coir fiber, and compost, which were managed alone or in mixtures of 50/50, 75/25, or 25/75% v/v ratios. We also included a mixture of virgin mountain soil and earthworm humus (known as INIA mixture) because it is used by local growers. The results showed that the substrates based on coir fiber, peat, and mixtures of both presented suitable characteristics for horticultural crops. On the contrary, compost-based substrates had high pH values and low organic matter contents that could be improved before use. The relationship found between the evaluated parameters of each substrate allowed us to establish that variables, such as the content of organic matter and water at different tensions and particle sizes, can be utilized to make a quick selection of the substrates produced locally, which would lead to the use of waste in a way that is more consistent with sustainable agricultural production and minimal environmental impact, by being used in the production of crops in containers without soil. In addition, these results can be used as an alternative reference in localities where these residues are easily available.

Rice–crayfish coculture systems (RCSs) have been widely promoted in China as an efficient circular agriculture model that can simultaneously improve rice quality, raise the efficiency of utilization of resources, and increase farmers’ incomes. However, the herd behavior of farmers in the adoption of the rice–crayfish coculture system warrants more attention, as the rational adoption of this system by farmers is a prerequisite for achieving the above objectives. This paper analyses the formation mechanism of farmers’ herd behavior based on information cascade theory. Using micro-survey data from 603 farmers in China and a bivariate probit model, we examine the existence of herding effects in the adoption of RCSs by farmers and the inhibitory effect of information acquisition capability on herd behavior. To address possible endogeneity issues, we also conducted a robustness test using the IV-probit model. Furthermore, we tested for between-group differences in agricultural income between farmers with herding adoption and non-herding adoption. The study reveals that the larger the number of prior adopters, the higher the probability of blind adoption behavior by farmers, indicating the existence of a herd effect. Information acquisition ability could significantly inhibit the herd behavior of farmers in the adoption of RCSs. We also found that farmers’ herd behavior in the adoption of these systems was not economically rational. Based on the research findings, we proposed several constructive suggestions for policy perfection.

Using tobacco stalks as a biomass fuel for flue-cured tobacco production creates a closed, green production cycle. Tobacco stalks are rich in cellulose and can be crushed to produce biomass pellet fuel (BPF). However, single flue-cured tobacco stalk (FCTs) BPF can easily slag during flue-cured tobacco heating (FTH), which affects the operation of biomass burners. In this study, five anti-slagging agents (ASAs), one organic (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) and four inorganic (kaolin, KLN; diatomite earth, DTE; calcium carbonate, CCO; and calcium dihydrogen phosphate, CHO)], were compared. An ash fusibility test was conducted in two steps to optimize the proportion and treatments that were then screened using FTH. Compared with pure FCT-based BPFs, the slag resistance of 2% CCO and CHO could be controlled below 15%. The emission of particulate matter from chimneys burning BPF with 2% CCO was lower than that with other ASAs. The ASAs achieved complete combustion with low carbon monoxide content in the tail gas. Considering the anti-slagging effect and economic cost, 2% CCO was the best additive for the biomass burner. These results provide a reference for FCT-based BPF production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are now well-known as healthy food ingredients that contain dietary fiber, vitamin D and compounds with numerous health benefits. Its procurement was initially based on the collection of naturally occurring wild mushrooms in the field, which depended on the region. Modern established cultivation techniques have contributed to environmental sustainability through the recycling of forestry and agricultural by-products and have successfully developed into a global industry. Such development of global mushroom production is the “bright” side as circular agriculture. However, the potential environmental and economic benefits in the sustainability of mushroom production have not yet been widely recognized, and its global production trend has stagnated in recent years. Therefore, dissemination activities through international mutual cooperation centered on education including ecology, cultivation science, and nutrition science of mushrooms are indispensable for the development of mushroom production in the future. On the other hand, we also need to urgently identify and address the challenges associated with negative sustainability impacts, or “dark” side, of mushroom production. The adverse effects of spores derived from cultivated mushrooms on the surrounding environment and disposal methods such as used heat-resistant bags and spent mushroom substrates are often neglected. Clarifying such the positive and negative aspects of sustainability in mushroom production and presenting their future prospects should contribute to improving international perceived value and the continuity of mushroom production.

Circularity is a necessity for the future of our society but individual households often find it difficult to contribute to this transition. This paper presents possible future visions of circular (and climate-neutral) households, inside and outside the house, regarding their contributions to the circular society, and taking into account food, energy, waste, household devices, and recreation. We combined expert interviews and a literature review to (1) explore imaginable futures for circular households, and (2) make a qualitative evaluation of the inside- and outside-house influences of households on a climate-neutral and circular society. Interviewees were selected to represent different scientific backgrounds. The four household types were organized according to more local or global, and collective or individual, levels: (1) the Househood (centering around neighborhoods); (2) the HouseNet (connecting households); (3) the Sharing Household (sharing goods between households); and (4) the Designing Household (input from circular-by-design products). The analysis shows that households can become more circular by connecting developments in social, ecological, and technological systems, such as those in price dynamics, policies, or land-use design. However, barriers and limitations need attention, including: (1) public awareness and willingness to change; (2) economic models; (3) waste; and (4) social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is one of the largest producers and exporters of wild edible fungi in the world. Cultivation mushroom production value ranks within the top five after grain, vegetable, fruit, and edible oil plantation, greater than sugar, cotton, and tobacco business. More than 40 new varieties of high market value mushrooms from our group were highlighted in this article. Mushroom cultivations have a high impact on China's poverty alleviation program, with earnings at least ten times higher than rice and corn. The products were exported to 137 countries and regions, mainly to Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, the USA, and the European Union, among these, Japan is the biggest import market for cultivated mushrooms from China. Rapid development in the market and an increased demand for edible fungi generally enhance the economy of domestic edible fungi. We are the leading research group in logical farm design that is HACCP-certified to reduce the cost of investment for agriculture, thus broadening the consumption market of edible mushrooms and forming a demand-oriented leading industry for the promotion of human health. The enterprise needs to re-examine the operation plan and the strategic thinking to improve the fundamental drivers based on the available resources of the locality. Mushrooms growing intergrate with upgraded technologies and equipment to become smart agriculture which have smart production and intelligent factories. The purpose of suitable products will not change: delicious, nutritious, healthy, and modern. Key points: • Cultivation mushroom production value ranks within the top five after grain, vegetable, fruit, and edible oil plantation, greater than sugar, cotton, and tobacco business. • Mushroom cultivations have a high impact on China's poverty alleviation program, with earnings at least ten times higher than rice and corn. • The development of transportation and industrialization of mushrooms facilitate the modernization of mushroom industry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing modern circular agriculture is one of the important ways to promote agricultural sustainable development, facilitating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations. However, when agricultural production operators constructed particular systems, they often lacked accurate data support and parameter matching. Consequently, problems such as unknown input and output, low circulation efficiency, and lack of comprehensive evaluation occurred, increasing challenges for efficient circulation of the systems. Therefore, based on sufficient data collection and field investigation, this research integrated emergy analysis and life cycle assessment to conduct sustainability evaluation on the modern Straw–Sheep–Cropland agro-pastoral circular system. Then the system was optimized by means of coupling parameter adjustment and key technology regulation. The results showed that the whole system required lower total emergy input after optimization. And the total weighted value of potential environmental impacts of the optimized system was 47.12% of that of the original system. Meanwhile, annual environmental service emergy in air, water, and soil was reduced significantly compared with the original one. In general, the optimized system had good performance in reduction, reuse, and controllability, so its sustainability was also high. This research formed a systematic method suitable for evaluating and optimizing the modern agro-pastoral circular system, which provided accurate guidance for the scientific construction and sustainable development of circular agriculture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ICLS combines the benefits of specialization with increased resilience of the system.• Clear opportunities but also barriers for ICLS were observed.• ICLS need to be embedded within future environmental legislation.• ICLS systems with a range of intensities are needed to support a biodiverse landscape.Ongoing specialization of crop and livestock systems provides socioeconomic benefits to the farmer but has led to greater externalization of environmental costs when compared to mixed farming systems. Better integration of crop and livestock systems offers great potential to rebalance the economic and environmental trade-offs in both systems. The aims of this study were to analyze changes in farm structure and review and evaluate the potential for reintegrating specialized intensive crop and livestock systems, with specific emphasis on identifying the co-benefits and barriers to reintegration. Historically, animals were essential to recycle nutrients in the farming system but this became less important with the availability of synthetic fertilisers. Although mixed farm systems can be economically attractive, benefits of scale combined with socio-economic factors have resulted in on-farm and regional specialization with negative environmental impacts. Reintegration is therefore needed to reduce nutrient surpluses at farm, regional and national levels, and to improve soil quality in intensive cropping systems. Reintegration offers practical and cost-effective options to widen crop rotations and promotes the use of organic inputs and associated benefits, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilisers, biocides and manure processing costs. Circular agriculture goes beyond manure management and requires adaptation of both food production and consumption patterns, matching local capacity to produce with food demand. Consequently, feed transport, greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient surpluses and nutrient losses to the environment can be reduced. It is concluded that reintegration of specialized farms within a region can provide benefits to farmers but may also lead to further intensification of land use. New approaches within a food system context offer alternatives for reintegration, but require strong policy incentives which show clear, tangible and lasting benefits for farmers, the environment and the wider community.

Restricted access to quality crops and markets limits the capacity of rural communities to generate income in the mountainous regions of South and Southeast Asia, often resulting in the exploitation of forest systems, a subsequent decline in forest health, and the need for alternative means of income generation as well as forest restoration programmes. Cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been shown to be a feasible alternative source of income and also contributes to the household nutrition of rural and impoverished communities. There are a number of ongoing programmes in South and Southeast Asia currently implementing trainings and demonstrative practices for the cultivation of mushrooms at the village level. In this context, we implemented different cultivation strategies in selected rural areas in the Chin State, Myanmar. The cultivation strategies were to 1) introduce mushroom cultivation using locally sourced raw materials as substrates for rural communities unfamiliar with mushroom cultivation; and 2) improve the technical knowledge of those already experienced in mushroom cultivation in order to increase yield and minimize challenges in production systems. We introduced Pleurotus sp. cultivation to mushroom growers in the Chin state, Myanmar. These cultivation strategies will help further improve and develop mushroom industries in rural areas and contribute to rural development. In addition, we focused on cultivation systems that incorporate the use of crop residues and woody substrates in order to ensure a sustainable, integrated approach.