Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on converting underutilised agricultural feedstocks into value-added organic amendments for Ethiopian smallholder farmers. It highlights that vermicomposting produces higher-quality amendments than thermophilic composting, and that integrated organic–chemical fertiliser approaches consistently outperform single-input strategies. The authors identify substantial gaps in long-term soil health and productivity data specific to Ethiopian agroecological contexts, signalling the need for further investigation.
UK applicability
While the review focuses on Ethiopian conditions and smallholder constraints (organic waste scarcity, chemical fertiliser costs), the valorisation technologies and integrated fertilisation principles have potential relevance to UK regenerative and organic farming sectors seeking to enhance soil organic matter and reduce external inputs. However, UK farmers operate within different regulatory, economic, and climatic contexts that would require localised adaptation research.
Key measures
Soil organic matter (SOM) content; nutrient composition of organic fertilisers; crop yield response; soil health metrics; fertiliser replacement value; microbial composition of bio-products
Outcomes reported
The review assessed technologies for converting agricultural organic waste (crop residues, animal manure) into organic fertilisers through composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic digestion, evaluating their nutrient composition, fertiliser replacement value, and effects on crop yield and soil health. The study compared nutrient profiles and microbial characteristics across waste valorisation methods and examined the agronomic impact of combined organic–chemical fertiliser strategies.
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