Two reports on Anaerobic Digestates from WRAP and UKWIR
AD – Renewable fertilisers grow yields and slash costs, study shows
WRAP Madeleine Cuff ‘Five-year research programme finds that ‘food-based digestate’ from anaerobic digestion is an effective source of nitrogen, allowing farmers to cut use of bagged fertilisers. Renewable fertilisers sourced from the anaerobic digestion (AD) process offer a cheaper, more sustainable way for farmers to boost yields than bagged fertilisers, according to the results of a five-year research study conducted by waste and resources body WRAP. The study, found that food-based digestate from AD is valuable source of readily-available nitrogen, the most effective nutrient for boosting crop yields. The data gathered for the study by WRAP charts the impact this source of nitrogen can have on crop yields throughout the year, allowing farmers to be able to reduce their reliance on bagged fertilisers without sacrificing yield levels.
The effectiveness of the digestate varies significantly depending on when it is applied – in autumn it achieves 15 per cent nitrogen efficiency, but in spring this rises to 55 per cent. The WRAP study also found that compost made from recycled green garden waste and food waste builds levels of organic matter in soil more quickly than alternatives such as farmyard manure.
Biosolids: good practice guidance
Waste recycling, 5 January 2016 This document, produced by UKWIR, defines biosolids, the various products available and how to use biosolids sustainably to get the best agronomic benefit. Legislation surrounding biosolids recycling to agricultural land is outlined and available tools for calculating the nutrient benefits and financial value of biosolids are presented. The guidance in this document will help get the most from biosolids applications to agricultural land. Biosolids: good practice guidance