Summary
This systematic review synthesises evidence on the conversion of food waste into organic fertilisers via composting, vermicomposting, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis, examining their impacts on soil health and crop productivity. The authors conclude that whilst FWOFs offer substantial potential for nutrient recovery and circular bioeconomy development, their agronomic and environmental outcomes remain highly variable due to heterogeneity in feedstock composition, processing methods, and field application practices. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps around heavy metal bioaccumulation, microplastic persistence, and pathogen inactivation, alongside standardisation needs necessary for wider adoption.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to UK circular economy and waste reduction policy objectives, particularly given the country's food waste disposal challenges and growing interest in regenerative agriculture. However, adoption pathways will require harmonised quality standards, risk assessment frameworks, and regulatory clarity—areas where UK guidance currently remains underdeveloped relative to the heterogeneity documented in this review.
Key measures
Soil organic matter; water retention; micronutrient availability; crop yield; crop quality; heavy metal accumulation; microplastic contamination; pathogen survival; soil health indicators
Outcomes reported
The review evaluates the agronomic impacts of food waste-derived organic fertilisers (FWOFs) across four conversion routes on soil health, nutrient cycling, crop yield and quality. It identifies both opportunities (soil organic matter, water retention, micronutrient supply) and unresolved risks (heavy metals, microplastics, pathogen survival).
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