Agricultural Waste: Its Impact on Environment and Management Approaches

Abstract

Waste materials are either usable or unusable products left behind after production or formulation of the main products produced by the human activities. According to the Press Information Bureau, India generates 62 million tonnes of waste (mixed waste containing both recyclable and nonrecyclable waste) every year, with an average annual growth rate of 4%. The agriculture sector is also contributing a large part through on field or off field activities. These waste materials consist of both usable and non-usable. Waste materials are of different kinds and come from various sources. The waste materials also have good nutritional values and thus, potential for its economics. The various forms, sources, and how the waste materials can be converted to many usable forms are studied and discussed here in this chapter. This chapter presented that there are solid and liquid types of waste which includes organics, dry, and biomedical wastes. The biodegradable wastes are being focused for utilizing its nutritional and desirable qualities and made into various usable products. Waste as in general is causing environmental pollution on earth surface, water, and air. Before their contamination it should be converted to usable form to minimize the pollution level as well as helps to generate employment and to make eco-friendly environment. Among the various sources agricultural crop residues, used pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other indiscriminate use of chemicals causing environmental threats and already translocated through food chain causing several human diseases. The chapter also discussed the conversation of these wastes into valuable products with some tables and relevant information.