Organic fertilizers synthesized from domestic food waste: A green sustainable approach – A review

Abstract

The increasing need for sustainable solutions to domestic food waste management has led to growing interest in its conversion into organic fertilizers—an environmentally friendly strategy that enhances soil fertility, crop productivity, and resource efficiency. This review presents recent advancements in the synthesis, optimization, and application of organic fertilizers derived from domestic food waste, emphasizing microbial engineering, production technologies, and integration with circular economy principles. Key microbial groups, including nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and potassium-mobilizing organisms, have been engineered to improve nutrient availability and crop resilience under variable environmental conditions. Additionally, the incorporation of automation, artificial intelligence, and IoT-based monitoring systems has significantly improved production efficiency and scalability. The review also highlights the critical role of policy frameworks in promoting adoption, including regulatory standards, landfill diversion laws, and financial incentives. Drawing from a wide range of scientific literature, technical reports, and policy analyses, the paper presents a holistic view of the organic fertilizer value chain, including quality assurance, safety, and stakeholder engagement. While domestic food waste-derived organic fertilizers demonstrate considerable potential for advancing sustainable agriculture, their widespread adoption will require continued investment in research, supportive governance, capacity building, and public education to address technical, regulatory, and social challenges.