A comprehensive analysis of sustainable fertilizer-related publications within the context of circular economy: Insights from the field of business management

Abstract

The expansion of the global agricultural sector has brought about significant environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. This study explores the nexus between fertilizer use and sustainability, framed within the circular economy principles, from a business management perspective. The primary objective is to map the current research landscape, identify key thematic areas, and suggest avenues for future research. A systematic literature review of 3026 articles from Scopus and Web of Science was conducted, with a bibliometric analysis revealing trends and thematic clusters. Five main thematic groups emerged: (i) greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of mitigation strategies; (ii) sustainable agriculture and fertilizers, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices; (iii) waste-derived fertilizers, underscoring the responsible reuse of animal waste; (iv) agricultural production and productivity, highlighting efficient farming practices; and (v) environmental impact and conservation, assessing ecological impacts. From these, 50 articles were selected and classified according to sustainability dimensions and their integration with circular business models. The analysis of the Triple Bottom Line demonstrated a dominant environmental focus (77.1%), while economic and social dimensions still need to be explored. Circular economy practices were prevalent, remarkably “Regenerate” and “Optimize” from the ReSOLVE framework. Future research should focus on practical implementations, circular business model development, and comprehensive impact assessments. These findings offer crucial insights for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing the environmental footprint of fertilizer production and use.