N2N regional circular agriculture model in China: A case study of Luofang biogas project

Abstract

As China’s economy continues to expand rapidly, the agriculture sector is encountering increasing resource constraints and environmental challenge. Conventional agricultural practices are characterized by low rates of material and energy use, excessive resource consumption, and high pollutant emissions. However, circular agriculture is a promising new model for agricultural development that is sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. This study presented the N2N regional circular agriculture model for the utilization of agricultural livestock and poultry waste in China based on feedback structure analysis theory and cost-benefit analysis (CBA), using the Luofang biogas project in Xinyu, Jiangxi province, operated by the Zhenghe Company as an example. The model improves resource utilization but also generates economic benefits for the biogas production enterprises. The results indicated that the sustainable operation of the N2N regional circular agriculture model can achieve multilevel resource utilization, improve the ecological environment, and generate substantial social, economic, and ecological benefits. The paper also discusses the importance of encouraging farmers to use biogas fertilizers and the role of economic incentives in promoting waste treatment and utilization.