A circular bioeconomy approach: transforming household kitchen waste into a soil-boosting bioformulation

Management of solid waste management is at the forefront of global sustainability challenges, with increasing emphasis on converting organic waste into value-added products that restore soil health and promote circular bioeconomy. This study aims to develop and evaluate bioformulations derived from fermented kitchen and agricultural waste as sustainable soil amendments for arid and semiarid regions. It investigates their short-term impact on soil fertility and plant growth, addressing key limitations like low organic carbon, high salinity, and nutrient imbalance. Four organic formulations prepared from fermented kitchen and agricultural waste were applied to different soil types of semi-arid Kachchh region. Pot experiments were conducted to assess changes in soil physico-chemical parameters and plant growth. The prepared bioenzymes significantly improved soil parameters, including reduction in pH (F (4,5) = 5.74, p = 0.04), reduced electrical conductivity, and increased organic carbon. Available P (phosphorus), K (potassium), and micronutrient levels also increased, with A4 showing the highest enhancement in Fe, Zn, and dry biomass. The results validate the promise of formulations based on organic waste as an economical and environmentally responsible substitute for synthetic inputs. This method offers useful benefits for sustainable agriculture in dry, resource-constrained regions by improving soil fertility and encouraging circular economy principles. This study is among the first to evaluate indigenous, kitchen-waste-derived bioformulations in the semi-arid soils of Kachchh, India.