Multi-Scale Control Strategies for Nitrogen Loss During Aerobic Composting of Agricultural Waste: A Review

Aerobic composting is an important pathway for the resource utilization of agricultural waste. However, nitrogen loss during composting not only reduces the nutrient value of the final product but also causes environmental burdens, particularly through ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. This review critically examines the sources, pathways, and mechanisms of nitrogen loss during aerobic composting of agricultural waste, with emphasis on nitrogen transformation and the major loss routes, including NH₃ volatilization, N₂O emissions, and nitrate leaching. From a multiscale perspective, the review synthesizes control strategies spanning feedstock pretreatment (e.g., C/N ratio optimization, adsorbent amendment, and microbial inoculation), in-process regulation (e.g., aeration, moisture, temperature, pH), and post-treatment approaches for nitrogen stabilization and resource recovery. The supporting roles of reactor innovation, intelligent process control, and policy and regulatory measures are also discussed. Finally, current bottlenecks and future research directions are summarized from environmental and economic perspectives, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and technological innovation to enhance nitrogen retention during composting.