Technologies for the circular economy in agriculture

Abstract

Technologies for the circular economy in agriculture. Waste is a problem in agriculture, however, there is the possibility of adding value to the management of this waste. The literature explores the potential of agricultural waste treatment technologies, but, it is necessary to systematize the knowledge on the subject. It is necessary to understand which solutions are being developed and which technologies are more consolidated to motivate the development of these solutions. Thus, this study aims to present a panoramic view of research in agricultural waste treatment technologies. The method adopted was bibliometric analysis. We show which technologies are more consolidated in the scientific community. Several biological and thermal solutions were found. Heavy metals, chemical and biological contaminants are major concerns in treatment processes. Anaerobic digestion and composting are the technologies most explored in the scientific community. Other technologies are microalgae, pyrolysis, algae, biorefineries, combustion, incineration, gasification, anaerobic co-digestion, hydrothermal carbonization, vermicomposting, biosynthesis process, dry anaerobic digestion and photobioreactors. This article systematizes and consolidates the knowledge about the technologies that can be applied to the management of agricultural residues, which is important for the consolidation of the field of research and strategic development of these solutions. The adoption of technologies is a significant step towards a circular economy model.