Greenhouse gas emission characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural waste composting process: A review

J Environ Manage. 2024 Mar:354:120337. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120337. Epub 2024 Feb 27.

Abstract

China, being a major agricultural nation, employs aerobic composting as an efficient approach to handle agricultural solid waste. Nevertheless, the composting process is often accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions, which are known contributors to global warming. Therefore, it is urgent to control the formation and emission of greenhouse gases from composting. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the production of nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide during the composting process of agricultural wastes. Additionally, it proposes an overview of the variables that affect greenhouse gas emissions, including the types of agricultural wastes (straw, livestock manure), the specifications for compost (pile size, aeration). The key factors of greenhouse gas emissions during composting process like physicochemical parameters, additives, and specific composting techniques (reuse of mature compost products, ultra-high-temperature composting, and electric-field-assisted composting) are summarized. Finally, it suggests directions and perspectives for future research. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for achieving carbon neutrality and promoting environmentally-friendly composting practices.

Keywords: Agricultural waste; Compost; Control strategy; Greenhouse gas; Physicochemical property.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Composting*
  • Global Warming
  • Greenhouse Gases* / analysis
  • Manure / analysis
  • Methane / analysis
  • Nitrous Oxide / analysis
  • Soil

Substances

  • Greenhouse Gases
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Manure
  • Soil