Compost as a greenhouse gas reducer in the agricultural sector: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Within agriculture, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and fresh manure results in serious environmental problems including water pollution, soil acidification and the spread of Greenhouse Gases Emission (GHG) like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4 ), nitrous oxide (N2 O), among others. It is estimated that 24 % of global GHG emissions come from agriculture and most anthropogenic emissions of methane and nitrous oxide are produced in the agricultural sector. In this sense, it is important to note that the emissions of N2 O and CH4 are mainly due to the fresh manure used in the fertilization stage. Under this context, the need arises to implement fertilization systems that mitigate GHG emissions in the agricultural sector. This article analyses the potential of composting in agricultural production as an option to mitigate GHG emissions. This aims to contribute to the generation of a critical, analytical and documented review of the current state of agricultural processes that apply compost versus fresh manure as the main fertilizer.