Campana, Emanuela (2025) Valorization of agro-industrial waste for circular and sustainable greenhouse horticulture in the mediterranean area. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

In an era marked by the need to produce more food for a growing world population through more sustainable business management strategies, this thesis explores the complex relationship between the farm production and environmental sustainability. Since the mid-20th century, synthetic fertilizers have played a key role in increasing agricultural production. However, the price to pay after years of excessive use of synthetic fertilizers is the ecosystems depletion. This research seeks to answer an urgent question: Is it possible to decrease the use of synthetic fertilizers by applying bioproducts obtained from the recovery of agro-industrial waste without compromising the yield of leafy crops? The methodology used involves a comprehensive analysis of the agronomic and physiological parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia DC.) grown in soil treated with compost, compost tea, and biochar at different fertilization rates, coupled with a life cycle assessment of the composting, compost tea extraction, and pyrolysis processes. The results reveal a reduction in the production gap between plants grown under optimal and suboptimal fertilization conditions by applying bioproducts, even if with species-specific responses. Furthermore, implementation of all analyzed waste recovery processes would reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfill disposal of waste. Understanding the relationship between life cycle assessment of waste recovery processes and the yield of crops treated with low fertilizer inputs in combination with bioproducts helps to find the best balance between production and environmental sustainability for each crop. In conclusion, this thesis emphasizes the importance of developing customized strategies to valorize agro-industrial waste produced at the farm level depending on the target crop, pedo-climatic conditions, and source waste. As we move forward, this research serves as a foundation for building a network of farmers who are more committed and informed about the most sustainable farm management strategies they can implement to reduce synthetic fertilizer inputs.

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