Balancing Agriculture and Industry through Waste Utilization for Sugarcane Sustainability

Arika Bridhikitti (), Jutamas Kaewsuk, Netiya Karaket, Richard Friend, Brett Sallach, James P. J. Chong and Kelly R. Redeker
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Arika Bridhikitti: Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Jutamas Kaewsuk: Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Netiya Karaket: Agricultural Science Program, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Richard Friend: Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
Brett Sallach: Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
James P. J. Chong: Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
Kelly R. Redeker: Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-26

Abstract: The Bio-Circular-Green Economy initiative adopted in Thailand encourages using sugar mill by-products for food production, benefiting both farmers and the environment. This study assesses the feasibility of applying by-products from the sugar mills and distilleries into sugar plantations for irrigation, fertilization, and soil conditioning. It addresses challenges in sustainable waste utilization and offers recommendations. This study reviews literature, conducts preliminary surveys, and analyzes samples from sugarcane fields in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The findings reveal that while vinasse and filter cake demonstrate promise as soil conditioners, their application requires careful consideration of soil type and pre-treatment processes. Vinasse, rich in essential nutrients, can benefit sandy soils by improving microbial activity and nutrient availability. Filter cake exhibits positive effects on soil texture, water permeability, and mineral content. Treated wastewater can be used for ferti-irrigation. However, about one-third of farmers lack confidence in its use due to concerns about limited nutrient availability, high transportation costs, and potential negative impacts on health, agriculture, and the ecosystem. To enhance farmer adaptability and ensure the successful utilization of waste, several challenges must be addressed, including: (1) assessing financial and technical feasibility of waste transportation and value-added products, (2) overcoming regulatory barriers related to transportation and utilization of industrial wastes, (3) disseminating knowledge to farmers regarding proper fertilization and waste utilization practices, and (4) implementing long-term monitoring on ecosystem health and conducting sustainability assessments of the waste utilization to affirm sustainability attainment.

Keywords: Bio-Circular-Green Economy; ethanol; sugar; vinasse; waste utilization; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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