Investigations into the viability of converting waste from anaerobic digester biogas plants into value-added customizable fertilizers

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Anaerobic digestion is a process that utilizes microorganisms to convert biomass into methane gas combined with a nutrient rich waste product - this product is known as digestate. The digestate from this conversion can be used to fertilize plant material and, as a result, reduce the use of inorganic, synthetically produced fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers, such as those produced from anaerobic digestion, are less prone to leaching and burning of the target plants as opposed to inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, the use of organic fertilizers may help improve soil health by improving soil structure and increasing microbial activity, and provides longer lasting nutrition for the plants as most of the available nitrogen is released over time rather than all at once. However, it is unknown if there are any adverse effects of the waste products produced by digestion on the plants. Additionally, the ideal form of the product and rates of application are unknown at this time.