Topic Editors
The Utilization of Non-Grain Biomass Resources
Topic Information
Dear Colleagues,
Non-grain biomass encompasses organic matter derived from plant or animal sources not intended for human consumption or strategic grain reserves. The enhanced development and utilization of bulk non-grain biomass protein resources is a critical pathway for advancing modern animal husbandry and safeguarding grain security. Key categories of non-grain biomass resources include the following:
- Crop residues (post-harvest stems and leaves from cereals, oilseeds, and industrial crops—globally abundant at >3.7 billion tonnes annually, FAO).
- Agricultural processing byproducts (e.g., bran, pomace, peels—offering underutilized nutrient streams).
- Forage grasses.
- Aquatic macrophytes (emergent/submerged vascular plants).
- Algal biomass (photosynthetic microalgae and cyanobacteria).
- Dedicated non-food energy crops (e.g., switchgrass, miscanthus—often cultivated on marginal lands).
- Forestry residues (non-commercial lignocellulosic biomass like leaves, branches, tops, shrubs, stumps, logging slash generated during operations).
- Animal manure.
- Food waste.
- Industrial organic wastes (biodegradable fractions of municipal solid waste, wastewater streams, and process residues suitable for bioenergy/conversion).
This Special Issue focuses on the integrated valorization and utilization of these diverse non-grain biomass resources. We seek contributions exploring innovative multidisciplinary approaches across various application pathways, including the following:
- Microbiological and biochemical conversion for feed and fertilizer production.
- Bioenergy generation (e.g., via anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and pyrolysis).
- Extraction and processing for food/feed ingredients (e.g., algal proteins and functional fiber extracts).
- Integrated biorefinery platforms for maximizing resource recovery and value.
We welcome original research and reviews from diverse disciplines central to this field, particularly the following: Microbiology, Ecology, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, and Agricultural Resource Utilization.
Dr. Shilei Wang
Dr. Yafan Cai
Topic Editors
Keywords
- non-food biomass
- crop residues
- agricultural processing byproducts
- feed and fertilizer production
- bioenergy generation
- food ingredient development
Participating Journals
| Journal Name | Impact Factor | CiteScore | Launched Year | First Decision (median) | APC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biomass
|
- | 4.2 | 2021 | 19.4 Days | CHF 1200 | Submit |
Fermentation
|
3.3 | 5.7 | 2015 | 19.5 Days | CHF 2100 | Submit |
Microbiology Research
|
2.2 | 2.8 | 2010 | 20.2 Days | CHF 1800 | Submit |
Microorganisms
|
4.2 | 7.7 | 2013 | 20 Days | CHF 2700 | Submit |
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