Del Gaudio, Rosaria Serena (2025) Unlocking The Potential Of Organic Amendments: A Multianalytical Approach Linking Molecular Composition To Soil Health And Nutraceutical Quality In Food Crops. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

The increasing pressure on agricultural ecosystems, exacerbated by the progressive soil fertility depletion, loss of biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change, calls for the urgent adoption of innovative, sustainable, and regenerative agronomic practices. In this context, the controlled valorization of agro-industrial residues through composting processes emerges as a concrete and replicable strategy to reduce reliance on synthetic mineral fertilizers, mitigate the environmental footprint of intensive agriculture, and foster production models aligned with the principles of circular economy and ecological transition. This research, developed through a systemic and multidisciplinary approach, aimed to investigate the effects of the application of organic amendments derived from heterogeneous residual matrices such as horticultural wastes, bovine manure and their combination, on crop productivity, the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of agricultural products, and physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The selected biomasses were subjected to controlled aerobic composting processes and then characterized at the molecular level to explore their potential as complex modulators of the rhizospheric environment. Agronomic experiments, conducted on food-relevant horticultural crops such as Lactuca sativa var. Canasta (lettuce), Daucus carota cv. Dukoda (carrot) and Spinacia oleracea (spinach), revealed differentiated physiological and yield responses depending on the molecular composition of the soil improvers. In parallel, biochemical analyses assessed macro- and micronutrients contents, primary metabolites, and nutraceutical compounds with antioxidant activity, such as glucosinolates, phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The results showed a significant improvement in crop functional quality when treated with high-molecular diversity compost, confirming their effectiveness in enhancing the health value of the food products. From a soil science perspective, the application of organic amendments resulted in a marked improvement in soil properties: chemical fertility (e.g., increased available nutrients and organic matter) and biological activity, with a particular focus on the increase in microbial biomass. Enrichment of microbial biodiversity in the rhizosphere was also observed, with beneficial effects on organic matter mineralization and nutrient availability. Moreover, monitoring the composting process using chemical indicators ensured the production of stable, mature and safe amendments for agronomic use, while reducing the environmental impact of the entire production cycle. In line with the goals of the European “Farm to Fork” and “Green Deal” strategies, this research demonstrates how the sustainable management of agro- industrial residues can play a key role in restoring soil functionality, reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture, and supporting resilient, efficient and high value-added production systems for both human and environmental well-being.

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