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Biowaste in a circular bioeconomy in Mediterranean area: A case study of compost and vermicompost as growing substrates alternative to peat
Journal Title: RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA' 
Author/s: Carlo Greco, Alessandro Agnello, Giulia La Placa, Michele Massimo Mammano, Kestutis Navickas 
Year:  2019 Issue: 2 Suppl. Language: English 
Pages:  18 Pg. 345-362 FullText PDF:  194 KB
DOI:  10.3280/RISS2019-002-S1022
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European policies are advocating a transition toward circular bio-economy, an economy aiming at reducing the dependence from fossil-based resources, limiting greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. The aim of this paper is to assess the potential for circularity for bio-waste and related by-products, to highlight the role of compost and vermicompost in the circular bioeconomy and their use in the agricultural sector. Three different substrates were tested in the soilless cultivation of Salvia officinalis, a Mediterranean nutraceutical and healthy plant: vermicompost (40%), compost (40%) and peat (100%). The average values of the main biometric parameters were calculated and compared. Compost and vermicompost can be considered as sustainable peat alternative growing substrates.
Keywords: Sustainable bio-waste management, nutraceutical and healthy plants, circular bioeconomy, sustainable peat alternative growing media, compost, vermicompost.

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Carlo Greco, Alessandro Agnello, Giulia La Placa, Michele Massimo Mammano, Kestutis Navickas, in "RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA'" 2 Suppl./2019, pp. 345-362, DOI:10.3280/RISS2019-002-S1022

   

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