Summary
Sileshi et al. present the Organic Matter Database (OMD), the first comprehensive global consolidation of residue and by-product data from agriculture, fisheries, forestry and agro-processing industries. The database includes definitions, classification typologies and estimation methods to enable consistent reporting of these materials across sectors and nations. The work addresses a critical data gap by providing evidence-based quantification of residue availability at national and global scales, intended to support circular economy transitions and sustainable resource management policy.
UK applicability
The OMD framework and classification methods are applicable to UK agricultural and forestry residue management planning. The database will enable UK policymakers and farmers to benchmark national residue production against global norms and to identify opportunities for soil amendment and bioenergy applications consistent with circular economy commitments.
Key measures
Quantities of residues and by-products produced globally; nutrient concentrations in residues; national-level estimates of residue availability; competing end-uses (soil amendment, livestock feed, bioenergy, industrial applications)
Outcomes reported
The study presents the Organic Matter Database (OMD), consolidating global quantities and nutrient concentrations of residues and by-products from agriculture, fisheries, forestry and related industries. It provides national-level estimates of residue availability for soil amendment, livestock feed, bioenergy and other applications, alongside assessment frameworks for environmental impacts of residue management practices.
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