Balanced Replacement of Global Animal-Based Nutrition with Whole-Plant Crops: Land Use, Nutrient Requirements, Biogas Potential, and Fertiliser Offsets Based on FAO 2023 Data

Sukumar Radrapu

Abstract: This study evaluates the feasibility of replacing global animal-based nutrition with whole-plant foods without fortified or industrially processed products. Using FAO 2023 cropland baselines and nutrient substitution models, we estimate the land required to supply equivalent protein, fats, and micronutrients. Crop residues (~467.9 Mt collectable) and cattle/buffalo dung (~7.04 Bt) were assessed for biogas and organic fertilizer potential. Practical constraints necessitate a 30% resilience buffer, bringing total required cropland to 681.278 Mha?exceeding current feed-crop land by ~230 Mha.

Keywords: whole-plant diet, land use, biogas, digestate, FAO 2023, sustainability, livestock emissions, crop residues

How to Cite?: Sukumar Radrapu, "Balanced Replacement of Global Animal-Based Nutrition with Whole-Plant Crops: Land Use, Nutrient Requirements, Biogas Potential, and Fertiliser Offsets Based on FAO 2023 Data", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1066-1068, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251114115504, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251114115504