Valorization of waste lignocellulosic biomass for soil amendment: A critical assessment and strategic framework

Usama Shakeel; Ying Zeng; Muhammad Rizwan Khan; Junlong Song

doi:10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230

Volume 11 Issue 2

May 2026

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Usama Shakeel, Ying Zeng, Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Junlong Song. Valorization of waste lignocellulosic biomass for soil amendment: A critical assessment and strategic framework[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100230. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230

Citation:

Usama Shakeel, Ying Zeng, Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Junlong Song. Valorization of waste lignocellulosic biomass for soil amendment: A critical assessment and strategic framework[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100230. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230

Citation:

Usama Shakeel, Ying Zeng, Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Junlong Song. Valorization of waste lignocellulosic biomass for soil amendment: A critical assessment and strategic framework[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100230. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230

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Valorization of waste lignocellulosic biomass for soil amendment: A critical assessment and strategic framework

doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230

a.
Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and Joint International Research Lab of Lignocellulosic Functional Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
b.
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

More Information

Corresponding author: E-mail address: junlong.song@njfu.edu.cn (J. Song)
Received Date: 2025-10-30
Accepted Date: 2025-12-26
Rev Recd Date: 2025-12-24

Available Online: 2026-01-21

Publish Date: 2026-05-01

Abstract

Abstract

Global agriculture faces a dual crisis: accelerating soil degradation, which depletes soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-holding capacity (WHC), coupled with the buildup of unutilized (waste) lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). Valorizing this waste LCB into sustainable soil amendments offers a key solution to improve soil water retention and crop yields. However, a thorough review of current conversion pathways, including pyrolysis, torrefaction, solid-state fermentation (SSF), and deep eutectic solvents (DES), highlights significant technological and economic challenges. These issues include high energy requirements, low product stability, slow processing speeds, and poor economic viability. Despite these practical obstacles, meta-analyses strongly support the fundamental effectiveness of LCB-derived amendments in restoring SOC, boosting crop production, and remediating contaminants. Therefore, the main challenge has shifted from proving agronomic effectiveness to developing cost-effective production methods that enhance energy efficiency and stability. Scaling these technologies for industrial applications requires an integrated approach that combines technical optimization, economic feasibility, and data-driven management to restore degraded lands and ensure food security.
- Lignocellulosic biomass,
- Waste valorization,
- Soil amendment,
- Water holding capacity,
- Circular bioeconomy

Declaration of competing interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Peer review under the responsibility of Editorial Office of Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts.

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