Wastes or Resources in Agroecosystems?

Abstract

Resources and wastes continuously flow into and out of agroecosystems. Diversity is an important aspect of resources, especially when pertaining to genetic, soil and water resources. However, this chapter focuses mostly on the handling of wastes and furthermore how to turn wastes into resources. Using animal and plant manure as organic fertilizer adds fertility and structure to soil through the addition of nutrients, organic matter and bacteria. Biogas is a useful resource for both agricultural production and producing energy, acting as a low-cost fuel source. Finally, we discuss composting raw materials, outlining the process, factors affecting the process and techniques to improve aerobic composting. Composting offers huge benefits as a source of nutrients and waste control that ranges from home gardens to farmyards to large-scale industrial operations.

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production”.

― Pete Seeger.