Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Tree Crop Management: Exploring the Potential of Biowaste-Derived Materials

The agricultural sector extensively depends on finite resources and materials, including growing media, mulching agents, and mineral fertilizers, the latter often applied in quantities exceeding plant requirements. These materials frequently originate from energy-intensive production processes and rely on non-renewable feedstocks often imported from third countries. Their extensive use contributes to the accumulation of harmful substances in the soil, which can enter the food chain, leach into groundwater, and ultimately impact human and animal health. Biowaste-derived materials, including manure and compost, still occupy a niche market. They are primarily made of composted biowastes derived from animal and agricultural sources, as well as urban food waste and industrial by-products. The alternative application of these products to sustain long-term soil health and enhance nursery and crop productivity and fruit quality poses a significant challenge.This article collection aims to explore innovative strategies for the sustainable management of tree crops. Practices and materials addressing the environmental and health challenges posed by the intensive use of finite resources are welcome. Research articles and reviews focusing on the morpho-physiological and chemical impacts of biowaste-derived materials on fruit production, such as biostimulants, soil amendments, organic fertilizers, growing media, and mulching, are highly encouraged for submission. Studies intended to assess the potential of these materials to improve crop performance, sustainability, and resource efficiency will be primarily considered. By gathering cutting-edge research, the collection intends to provide a comprehensive overview of agronomic solutions that could potentially reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and mitigate risks to human and animal health, in accordance with circular economy principles.This article collection welcomes contributions that evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and agronomic responses of tree crops to the application of biowaste-derived materials and by-products, focusing on their role in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield, fruit quality, and nursery productivity, while minimizing environmental impacts. The research topic aims to publish original research and reviews related to, but not limited to, the following themes:• Prospects, challenges, and potential drawbacks of using biowaste-derived materials for the sustainable management of tree crops;• Evaluation of the agronomic performance of tree crops treated with biostimulants, also derived from agri-food industry wastes and by-products, and growth-promoting compounds, focusing on their effects on morpho-physiological parameters, yield, and fruit quality;• Assessment of the nursery potential of growing media, along with the efficacy of mulching and soil amendments derived from biowaste materials, on crop development and long-term soil sustainability.Authors are encouraged to present innovative methodologies, field trials, or laboratory studies that could contribute to reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and fostering sustainable tree crop production. Topic editors: Giovanni Gamba, Dario Donno, Laura Rustioni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/68249/innovative-approaches-to-sustainable-tree-crop-management-exploring-the-potential-of-biowaste-derived-materials