SYNERGISTIC IMPACTS OF BIOECONOMY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES ON GREENHOUSE GAS DYNAMICS IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Key sources of GHGs include methane (CH4) resulted from livestock digestion and flooded rice paddies, nitrous oxide (N2O) from fertilized soils and manure, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by fossil fuel use, land conversion, and soil tillage. The growing global demand for food has led to the intensive use of fertilizers and consequently, to the increase of GHG emissions. This paper deals with the interaction between bioeconomy, circular economy and circular bioeconomy principles which could enhance the decrease of agricultural GHG emissions. The bioeconomy relies on renewable biological resources while circular economy promotes resource efficiency, waste minimization and the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). By integration of these concepts, the circular bioeconomy converts agricultural residues and manure into products which improve soil fertility (compost, biochar, biogas) and therefore, reduce the carbon footprint. Together, the synergistic effects of these practices can contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, according to the European Union environmental policies.