Valorization of Animal and Plant-Derived Organic Wastes for Sustainable Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

Soil application of organic wastes enhances soil health and induces microbial activity, creating conditions detrimental to phytopathogenic nematodes (PPNs) while improving plant growth. This review examines the practical application of various organic waste types including agricultural residues, livestock manure, and municipal waste for managing PPNs and reducing crop losses. These organic amendments contribute to PPN suppression by releasing nematicidal compounds, like volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and isothiocyanates improving soil structure, and enhancing nutrient availability. The paper provides and discusses the most known studies about the use of organic waste to reduce major PPN densities by 50–100 %, depending on the type of organic amendment, target nematode species, and environmental conditions. Overall, the use of organic waste as a PPN control strategy offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, promoting circular economy principles by transforming waste into valuable resources. Challenges related to quality control, pathogen transmission, and nutrient imbalances associated with large-scale applications are discussed, alongside potential solutions for optimizing efficacy and safety.