1. World problems
  2. Underutilized agricultural wastes

Underutilized agricultural wastes

  • Agricultural waste products

Nature

Agricultural practices produce a variety of waste products or byproducts, such as animal faeces, material eroded from land, excess fertilizer, inorganic salts and minerals resulting from irrigation, herbicides and pesticides; to these may be added various infectious agents contained in wastes. Under simple agricultural systems, wastes from one harvest or form of animal husbandry could be used as a resource for another. With increasing specialization in primary production, however, there is less economic opportunity to use animal manure for fertilizer, for example.

Background

Vegetable material from agriculture has been used as mulch or compost for the soil, as an alternative source of fuel, for drying fruit, cocoa and coffee beans, or for sale in the form of briquetted charcoal to other users of wood fuel, cellulose for paper and fibreboard production, and livestock bedding and cattle ration. An example of special uses, is cocoa sweatings as ingredients in wine, alcohol, vinegar and jelly production; substandard cocoa beans can be included in livestock feed.

Incidence

The total quantity of such wastes is large. In the USA, for instance, the production of animal wastes exceeds that of human wastes by a factor of at least five on a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) basis, seven on a total nitrogen basis, and ten on a total solids basis. Most developing countries have economies based predominantly on agriculture. With agro-industrialization increasing during the past three decades, many countries find themselves with a growing surplus of agricultural wastes such as rice hull, jute stalk, groundnut shell, bagasse and coconut husk and pith. These materials are available in large quantities and are presenting serious problems of disposal.

Claim

Underutilized agricultural wastes represent a critical, yet overlooked, issue in our quest for sustainability. Millions of tons of valuable biomass are discarded annually, contributing to environmental degradation and lost economic potential. By failing to harness these resources, we squander opportunities for renewable energy, soil enhancement, and innovative products. Addressing this problem is not just an environmental imperative; it is essential for food security, economic resilience, and combating climate change. We must act now to transform waste into wealth!This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Underutilized agricultural wastes are often overstated as a pressing issue. In reality, many of these materials are naturally recycled back into the ecosystem or used in low-impact ways. The focus on agricultural waste diverts attention from more critical problems like food security and climate change. Instead of fixating on what’s left behind, we should prioritize innovative agricultural practices and technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability, rather than obsessing over waste that is often inconsequential.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Solid wastes
Presentable
Profiteering
Presentable

Narrower

Brine disposal
Presentable

Aggravates

Zoonoses
Presentable
Malodorous fumes
Presentable
Insect pests
Presentable
Eutrophication
Presentable
Dust
Presentable
Organic wastes
Unpresentable

Aggravated by

Related

Strategy

Value

Wastage
Yet to rate
Unused
Yet to rate
Underuse
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero HungerSustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean EnergySustainable Development Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Agriculture, fisheries » Agriculture
  • Industry » Products
  • Societal problems » Waste
  • Content quality
    Excellent
     Excellent
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    C2205
    DOCID
    11322050
    D7NID
    134042
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020