Aleksandar Nesterovic

The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize lavender pellets produced from post-distillation residues and evaluate their multifunctional valorization potential. Physicochemical properties, including moisture, ash, heating value, organic matter, total and organic carbon, macro- and micronutrients, potentially toxic heavy metals, polyphenols, microbiological safety, and nutritive composition, were assessed. The pellets demonstrated an energy content comparable to other agricultural residues, with a higher heating value of 18,900 kJ/kg and a lower heating value of 16,603 kJ/kg. High organic matter (87%) and a slightly acidic pH support soil moisture retention, while favorable macronutrient levels enhance their suitability as a soil amendment. Water-based extractions (infusion and decoction) achieved higher yields (15.60–21.66%) than ethanol (13.04%) and more effectively recovered bioactive polyphenols, particularly rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids. Low moisture and water activity ensured storage stability and minimal microbial growth, which was confirmed by microbiological safety tests. Nutritionally, pellets contained moderate protein (9.38%), high cellulose (33.38%), and low fat (2.18%), with total amino acids of 8.91 g/100 g and 36.7% essential amino acids, along with a favorable fatty acid profile rich in polyunsaturated fractions. Overall, these findings highlight lavender pellets as a sustainable resource for energy, soil improvement, bioactive compound recovery, and complementary animal feed within circular economy frameworks. However, future research should focus on investigating whether residual compounds remain in lavender residues that could exert antifeedant or phytotoxic effects. Additionally, the potential for the sequential valorization of lavender residues should be explored, initially through the extraction of bioactive phenols, followed by pellet production for use as fuel or soil amendments. This approach would enable multiple cascading uses and maximize their contribution to comprehensive circular economy strategies.

Manure is a by-product at agricultural farms that can consist of excrement, bedding, food, and other substances. Manure is a significant form of organic fertilizer, but it negatively impacts the environment. The objectives of this study are to determine the quantities of manure and classify them depending on the size and type of farms in Serbia and to quantify greenhouse gas emissions in Serbia from manure management. About 8.6 million m3 of fresh liquid manure and about 20.4 million tons of fresh solid manure are generated in Serbia. The dominant types of manures are liquid pig manure and cattle solid and liquid manures. Approximately 81% of the total amount of manure is located at farms with less than 100 livestock units. In Serbia, at large farms with over 1,000 livestock units, about 12% of the total amount of manure is generated. In 2020, about 23 Gg of CH4 and 1 Gg of N2O were emitted directly from manure. About 1,1 Gg of N2O is emitted indirectly from manure management. Total emissions of greenhouse gases originating from manure in 2020 amounted to about 1,144 GgCO2eq. Greenhouse gas emissions are declining due to the reduction of livestock, so in comparison to 1990, they are reduced by 36% for this sector.