Sustainable and circular agro-environmental practices: A review of the management of agricultural waste biomass in Spain and the Czech Republic

Abstract

Sustainable and circular production models, such as the circular economy and circular bioeconomy, have become key mechanisms to leave behind the traditional linear model of food production. Under this approach and considering the waste biomass potential available in Spain and the Czech Republic, the main objective of this study is to analyse the most relevant aspects of the generation, use and regulation of agricultural waste biomass (AWB) in both countries. For this purpose, a scientometric analysis and systematic review of published research in the Scopus database were carried out. A complementary analysis of AWB management policies and regulations was also part of the methodology. The results show that Spain has published almost twice as much research as the Czech Republic. Furthermore, 91% of the retrieved research prioritizes the characterization and estimation of the potential of more than 15 AWB types. Among the main ones are olive residues, horticultural residues and wheat straw, which are used for producing organic amendments, bioenergy and biofuels. The results confirm that the reduction and valorization of AWB is an issue that has become more important in the last 13 years, mainly due to the policies and strategies for circular economy and circular bioeconomy. With this in mind, this study provides relevant information for governments on the aspects that need to be improved to advance in the valorization of AWB. This study also provides guidance to farmers on the reduction and/or recovery alternatives that they can implement to move towards sustainable and circular agriculture.

Semi‐industrial ultrasound‐assisted extraction of grape‐seed proteins

“…Agricultural waste management is attracting substantial interest in the agro-industrial field due to the current interest in global environmental issues and consumer awareness regarding sustainability. [1][2][3] One trending strategy is the use of functional and nutritional compounds from agro-food by-products for incorporation into novel industrial applications. [4][5][6][7] Beyond the issue of compliance with applicable environmental regulations, this sustainable and circular bio-economy model is of economic importance considering the growing consumer demand for natural ingredients.…”

“…Agricultural waste management is attracting substantial interest in the agro‐industrial field due to the current interest in global environmental issues and consumer awareness regarding sustainability 1‐3 . One trending strategy is the use of functional and nutritional compounds from agro‐food by‐products for incorporation into novel industrial applications 4‐7 .…”

Repurposing Coffee Husk By-Products (Cascara) for the Production of Kombucha Beverage

“…The e cient usage of agricultural by-products is gaining signi cance in sustainable agricultural development, reducing negative environmental effects (Duque-Acevedo et al, 2022). The commercialization of coffee husks, additionally referred to as cascara, has garnered signi cant attention in recent years despite being previously regarded as waste in the coffee industry (Klingel et al, 2020).…”

Coffee Husk By-Product as Novel Ingredients for Cascara Kombucha Production

“…Repurposing of agricultural by-products is becoming increasingly crucial in promoting sustainable agricultural progress and minimizing adverse environmental effects [ 3 ]. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on the commercial use of coffee husks, commonly known as cascara, despite their prior classification as coffee industry waste [ 4 ].…”