SUNFLOWER HUSK: FROM WASTE MATERIAL TO A USEFUL RESOURCE

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops, widely used in industry, agriculture, and as a food source, while its by-products, such as husks, can be utilized in various ways. Sunflower husks, constituting up to 40% of the seed’s mass, are rich in fiber, polysaccharides, and other valuable components, with applications in livestock production, the energy industry, and agriculture. This paper explores different possibilities for utilizing sunflower husks, with a particular focus on ecological and energy applications, as well as opportunities for further use in industry and agriculture. Due to their composition, sunflower husks are used as fuel (in pellets or as biomass for combustion) and in the production of bio-briquettes. Moreover, ash obtained from the combustion of sunflower husks contains valuable nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements (zinc, copper, manganese, iron), which makes it beneficial for soil fertilization. The efficiency of ash usage has been improved through granulation, enabling better application in agriculture. As sunflower production residues serve as a renewable energy source, sunflower husks represent a significant resource in the context of sustainable development and energy efficiency.