Soil enhancement and environmental aspects of agro-industrial waste use in agriculture and horticulture

As the world's population and demand for food continue to increase, sustainable crop cultivation is essential for ensuring food security and preserving the environment. Agro-industrial waste, such as coconut fiber, coffee grounds, eggshells, rice husk, and sawdust, due to their ecological nature, plays a fundamental role in improving the fertility, physical structure, and microbiology of the soil when used as organic fertilizers. This review explores emerging trends and innovations in utilizing these organic materials in sustainable agriculture. The review also emphasizes the scale of organic waste generation in the world's most populous countries, analyzing the potential benefits and limitations of using these wastes as fertilizers and soil improvers instead of sending waste to landfills. Furthermore, it evaluates the effectiveness, challenges, and prospects of adopting the use of organic materials in agricultural systems. Continued research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination are needed to optimize the use of natural fertilizers in agriculture. Maximizing the potential of agro-industrial waste as organic fertilizers is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing global food security.