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Sustainable Agriculture Through Agricultural Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Composting’s Impact on Soil Health in Moroccan Agricultural Ecosystems

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  • Majda Oueld Lhaj

    (Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco
    Research Unit on Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, Regional Center of Rabat, National Institute of Agricultural Research, AV. Ennasr, Rabat 10101, Morocco)

  • Rachid Moussadek

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat 10100, Morocco)

  • Abdelmjid Zouahri

    (Research Unit on Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, Regional Center of Rabat, National Institute of Agricultural Research, AV. Ennasr, Rabat 10101, Morocco)

  • Hatim Sanad

    (Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco
    Research Unit on Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, Regional Center of Rabat, National Institute of Agricultural Research, AV. Ennasr, Rabat 10101, Morocco)

  • Laila Saafadi

    (Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco)

  • Meriem Mdarhri Alaoui

    (Research Unit on Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, Regional Center of Rabat, National Institute of Agricultural Research, AV. Ennasr, Rabat 10101, Morocco)

  • Latifa Mouhir

    (Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco)

Abstract

Agricultural activities generate substantial quantities of waste, which are often relegated to landfills or incineration. However, these residues can be effectively valorized through composting, which transforms them into valuable organic fertilizers (OF). Composting agricultural waste (AW) mitigates environmental impacts and offers significant benefits in enhancing soil fertility and productivity. This practice is particularly beneficial in regions with low soil fertility and degraded land, where compost can improve soil health and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the valorization of AW through composting, focusing on its environmental, agricultural, and economic impacts on soil health, especially in Morocco’s agricultural ecosystems. It synthesizes findings from studies published over the past two decades to offer critical insights and recommendations for optimizing composting practices. By systematically evaluating, this review highlights composting as a pivotal strategy for enhancing soil health, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable AW management. Future research is essential to explore opportunities for optimizing the composting process, including content enhancement and processing duration. In summary, the composting process can be seen as an effective and sustainable solution that fits within the principles of circular economy (CE) and that requires careful evaluation and ongoing monitoring.

Suggested Citation

  • Majda Oueld Lhaj & Rachid Moussadek & Abdelmjid Zouahri & Hatim Sanad & Laila Saafadi & Meriem Mdarhri Alaoui & Latifa Mouhir, 2024. "Sustainable Agriculture Through Agricultural Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Composting’s Impact on Soil Health in Moroccan Agricultural Ecosystems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:12:p:2356-:d:1549621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paulo Fernandes & Rui Pinto & Cláudia Correia & Isabel Mourão & Luísa Moura & Luís Miguel Brito, 2024. "Impact of Kiwifruit Waste Compost on Soil Bacteriome and Lettuce Growth," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Begoña García Castellanos & Benjamín García García & José García García, 2023. "Economic and Environmental Effects of Replacing Inorganic Fertilizers with Organic Fertilizers in Three Rainfed Crops in a Semi-Arid Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Alicia Kelley & Ann C. Wilkie & Gabriel Maltais-Landry, 2020. "Food-Based Composts Provide More Soil Fertility Benefits Than Cow Manure-Based Composts in Sandy Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-12, March.
    4. Devkota, Mina & Devkota, Krishna Prasad & Kumar, Shiv, 2022. "Conservation agriculture improves agronomic, economic, and soil fertility indicators for a clay soil in a rainfed Mediterranean climate in Morocco," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    5. Carlos Ortiz & María Rosa Yagüe & Alcira Sunilda Valdez & María Gabriela Molina & Àngela Dolores Bosch-Serra, 2024. "Sustainability of Organic Fertilizers Use in Dryland Mediterranean Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, August.
    6. Kit Wayne Chew & Shir Reen Chia & Hong-Wei Yen & Saifuddin Nomanbhay & Yeek-Chia Ho & Pau Loke Show, 2019. "Transformation of Biomass Waste into Sustainable Organic Fertilizers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, April.
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    1. Pruethsan Sutthichaimethee & Phayom Saraphirom & Chaiyan Junsiri, 2025. "Efficiency of National Governance in Managing Long-Term Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in the Agricultural Sector Towards the Thailand 5.0 Goal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-28, April.

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