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Environmental Benefits of Olive By-Products in Energy, Soil, and Sustainable Management

Author

Listed:
  • Abdulaziz Alharbi

    (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohamed Ghonimy

    (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the environmental benefits of utilizing by-products from olive farms and olive oil mills within the framework of sustainable resource management and the reduction in agricultural waste, through an integrated circular approach that involves composting and bioenergy recovery. A total of 10.7–11.2 t/ha of biomass, including pruning residues and olive pomace, was generated, with a utilization efficiency of 63.5–67.5%. The energy potential of olive biomass was highlighted through assessments that revealed a theoretical generation potential of approximately 96 GJ/ha (25–28 MW·h/ha), primarily from repurposed woody biomass and pomace. The environmental analysis showed a 50–60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional disposal, due to avoided open burning, carbon stabilization via compost, and the displacement of fossil fuels. Economically, the circular strategy yielded a net benefit of ~70 $/ha, with revenues from bioenergy and compost exceeding processing costs. Soil organic matter increased from 1.3% to 1.5% after compost application, improving fertility and water retention. The waste reduction percentage reached ~65%, significantly decreasing the volume of unutilized biomass. These outcomes, confirmed through statistical and correlation analyses, demonstrate a robust model for circular agriculture that enhances energy self-sufficiency, mitigates the environmental impact, and supports economic and agronomic sustainability. The findings offer a replicable framework for transforming olive farming waste into valuable bioresources.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulaziz Alharbi & Mohamed Ghonimy, 2025. "Environmental Benefits of Olive By-Products in Energy, Soil, and Sustainable Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4722-:d:1660626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marquina, Jesús & Colinet, María José & Pablo-Romero, María del P., 2021. "The economic value of olive sector biomass for thermal and electrical uses in Andalusia (Spain)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    2. Mattia Rapa & Salvatore Ciano, 2022. "A Review on Life Cycle Assessment of the Olive Oil Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Tomas Enrique Rodríguez Romero & Juan José Cabello Eras & Alexis Sagastume Gutierrez & Jorge Mario Mendoza Fandiño & Juan Gabriel Rueda Bayona, 2025. "The Energy Potential of Agricultural Biomass Residues for Household Use in Rural Areas in the Department La Guajira (Colombia)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-48, January.
    4. Donatella Restuccia & Sabrina Antonia Prencipe & Marco Ruggeri & Umile Gianfranco Spizzirri, 2022. "Sustainability Assessment of Different Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extraction Methods through a Life Cycle Thinking Approach: Challenges and Opportunities in the Elaio-Technical Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-18, November.
    5. Sarah Stempfle & Domenico Carlucci & Bernardo Corrado de Gennaro & Luigi Roselli & Giacomo Giannoccaro, 2021. "Available Pathways for Operationalizing Circular Economy into the Olive Oil Supply Chain: Mapping Evidence from a Scoping Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-22, August.
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