Carbon Sequestration during the Application of Processed Municipal Organic Waste in Agriculture: A Review

Agricultural utilization of processed municipal organic waste (AUPMOW) offers a method of recycling organic waste to enhance crop productivity, maintain soil health, and increase carbon storage in plants. By effectively implementing AUPMOW, it can significantly contribute to a circular economy by managing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This review examines existing research on carbon mitigation through AUPMOW to guide future decisions on its implementation. It explores the mechanisms of carbon flow in agriculture and the characteristics of processed municipal organic waste (PMOW). Additionally, environmental, managerial, and systemic factors affecting AUPMOW efficacy are analyzed. Furthermore, it discusses the impact of policies and regulations on AUPMOW implementation. Some recommendations are made for optimizing current AUPMOW practices, including strengthening regulatory frameworks, managing soil contamination risks, reducing CH₄ and N₂O emissions during storage, considering long-term environmental impacts, selecting suitable locations, and employing minimally invasive farming methods. This review demonstrates how PMOW can improve soil carbon sequestration and offers a sustainable agricultural solution. It provides an overview of current research on the carbon mitigation potential of AUPMOW, recommends best management practices (BMPs) for future implementations, and identifies key insights for policymakers, emphasizing reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and highlighting areas for future research.