Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-12 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 6 5.2 Waste-to-energy systems Biomass energy from agricultural residues involves converting crop residues, animal manure, and other organic waste into bioenergy through processes like anaerobic digestion and combustion. This approach not only provides a renewable energy source but also helps manage agricultural waste, reducing environmental pollution and enhancing soil health through the application of digestate as a fertilizer (Atelge et al., 2020; Tamburini et al., 2020; Xu et al., 2021). Circular energy utilization in agriculture focuses on creating closed-loop systems where waste products are recycled and reused within the farming ecosystem. For example, the digestate from anaerobic digestion can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, closing the nutrient loop and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This approach promotes sustainability by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency (Atelge et al., 2020; Tamburini et al., 2020; Xu et al., 2021). 5.3 Case studies Several case studies highlight the successful integration of renewable energy in agriculture. For instance, the Emilia Romagna region in Italy has effectively utilized biogas production from agricultural and agri-food waste, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emission reductions and energy savings (Tamburini et al., 2020). Another example is the Biogasdoneright™ system in Italy, which combines sequential cropping with biogas production to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency in agricultural systems (Dale et al., 2020; Magnolo et al., 2021). These case studies demonstrate the potential of renewable energy integration to transform agricultural practices, making them more sustainable and resilient to climate change. 6 Policy Recommendations for Carbon-Positive Agriculture 6.1 Incentives for green farming practices To promote carbon-positive agriculture, it is essential to provide incentives for adopting green farming practices. Financial incentives such as subsidies, carbon credits, and tax breaks can motivate farmers to implement sustainable practices like conservation tillage, cover cropping, and agroforestry. For instance, subsidies have been shown to increase farmers' efforts to build soil organic carbon (SOC) (Hermann et al., 2017). Additionally, agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops and livestock, have been identified as highly effective in sequestering carbon and improving soil health (Bhattacharyya et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2021). By offering economic benefits, these incentives can encourage widespread adoption of practices that enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 6.2 Development of national and regional carbon accounting frameworks Establishing robust carbon accounting frameworks at national and regional levels is crucial for accurately measuring and managing carbon sequestration in agriculture. These frameworks should include standardized methods for quantifying SOC changes and greenhouse gas emissions from various agricultural practices. Accurate carbon accounting can help in assessing the effectiveness of different practices and policies, thereby guiding future actions. For example, the adoption of recommended management practices (RMPs) such as crop rotations, cover crops, and reduced tillage has been shown to significantly enhance SOC levels (Jarecki and Lal, 2003). Implementing comprehensive carbon accounting systems will ensure that these practices are properly monitored and rewarded, thereby promoting their adoption. 6.3 Interdisciplinary and international collaboration opportunities Interdisciplinary and international collaborations are vital for advancing carbon-positive agriculture. Collaborative efforts can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices across different regions and disciplines. For instance, integrating insights from soil science, agronomy, economics, and policy studies can lead to more effective strategies for carbon sequestration (Lal, 2004; Hutchinson et al., 2007). International collaborations can also help in addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities, such as the unique potential of agroforestry in tropical regions (Hutchinson et al., 2007). By fostering partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners globally, we can accelerate the development and implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.
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