Systematic Literature Review on the Utilization of Tuber Crop Skins in the Context of Circular Agriculture
- Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- College of Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute for advanced studies, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Received: 2023-11-14
Revised: 2024-02-06
Accepted: 2024-04-04
Published 2024-05-30

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Abstract
Purpose: This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) investigates the utilization of tuber crop skins, specifically from yam, potato, taro, and cassava as an underexplored resource in circular agriculture. The study aims to assess their multifaceted applications across sectors such as animal feed, bioenergy, material science, wastewater treatment, and food innovation, addressing the overarching research question of how tuber crop skins can contribute to a more sustainable agricultural model.
Method: A rigorous review protocol was applied to analyze 26 articles sourced from ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The selection criteria focused on works that explore the application of tuber crop skins in various domains, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Results: The analysis reveals that tuber crop skins offer significant benefits, including serving as nutrient-rich livestock feed, potential bioenergy feedstocks, and a basis for bio-based plastics and biocomposites due to their high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. Their capacity for absorbing pollutants also highlights their utility in wastewater treatment. Additionally, their application in food fortification and the creation of functional foods showcases their versatility.
Conclusion: Despite the promising applications of tuber crop skins, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies examining their long-term sustainability, scalability, and socio-economic impacts. The research identifies a crucial need for interdisciplinary studies to address these gaps, advocating for further exploration to harness the full potential of tuber crop skins in promoting sustainable circular agricultural practices.
Research Highlights
- Tuber skins drive diverse circular agriculture.
- Nutrient-rich skins support sustainable livestock.
- Skin composition fuels bioenergy, enhancing sustainability.
- Skins inspire bio-based plastics for sustainability.
- Gaps urge interdisciplinary studies for sustainability.
Keywords
- Agricultural by-product,
- Agricultural residues ,
- Agro-waste,
- Nutrient recovery ,
- Sustainable resource management,
- Waste management