Sustainable Management of Agri-Industrial Residues: Impacts on Soil Health, Nutrient Cycling, and Long-Term Fertility

The global expansion of the agricultural industry generates vast quantities of organic residues that are frequently overlooked as waste. These materials, however, possess significant concentrations of essential nutrients and organic carbon vital for terrestrial ecosystems. Conventional disposal methods, such as open-field burning or landfilling, often result in environmental pollution and the loss of valuable resources. Conversely, the strategic application of these residues to agricultural land offers a sustainable mechanism for restoring soil vitality. Given that soil health is the cornerstone of global food security, it is currently under threat from intensive farming practices and over-reliance on synthetic inputs. Understanding the complex interactions between various agri-industrial by-products and soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties is essential. Repurposing these residues as organic amendments can improve soil structure, stimulate microbial activity, and ensure long-term productivity, aligning with the goals of a circular bio-economy.This Research Topic aims to address the critical challenge of efficiently managing agri-industrial residues while enhancing soil quality and ecosystem functions. While advances in technologies such as composting and biochar production have been made, significant gaps remain regarding the long-term impact of diverse residue types on soil resilience. We seek to explore how organic amendments influence nutrient bioavailability, carbon sequestration, and the stability of soil microbial networks. This collection will highlight innovative approaches to residue transformation that optimize agronomic outcomes while mitigating risks like heavy metal contamination. By integrating multi-disciplinary research, the goal is to develop evidence-based guidelines for the safe application of these materials. Ultimately, this Research Topic strives to bridge the gap between industrial waste management and soil science, providing solutions that support regenerative agriculture and the overall sustainability of food systems. The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research and reviews investigating the integration of agricultural and industrial residues into soil management. We specifically invite contributions on themes such as: 1) The effects of organic amendments (biochar, compost, digestate) on soil physical-chemical properties; 2) Microbial community dynamics and soil enzyme activities; 3) Carbon storage and greenhouse gas emission reduction; 4) Nutrient cycling and crop performance; and 5) Environmental risk assessments and life cycle analyses. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts based on longitudinal field studies or advanced molecular analyses. We are interested in a variety of manuscript types, including Original Research, Perspectives, Mini-Reviews, and Systematic Reviews, to provide a comprehensive perspective on enhancing soil health through residue utilization. Topic editors: Jose Manuel Meriles, Maria Florencia Dominchin, Romina Verdenelli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80659/sustainable-management-of-agri-industrial-residues-impacts-on-soil-health-nutrient-cycling-and-long-term-fertility