In the document “The contribution of digestate to soil health” prepared by experts from the European Biogas Association (EBA) The production, use and agronomic and environmental benefits of this product are exhaustively reviewed.
Within the framework of environmental concerns and the transition towards more sustainable economies, the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion has gained relevance due to the production of renewable energy and also due to the resulting by-product: the digestate.
The digestate is a byproduct of anaerobic digestion that stands out for being an organic-mineral fertilizer rich in nutrients. This compound offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, helping to improve soil health and resource use efficiency, aligning with the EU's "farm to fork" strategy and global environmental management.
The process by which organic materials such as domestic, agricultural waste or sewage sludge are transformed into biogas also produces the digestate, a product that maintains the mineral fraction of the raw materials, being rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Digest production in Europe continues to grow, with estimates indicating a significant increase between now and 2050.
Agronomic use of digestate
The digest is mainly used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Its application increases the availability of nutrients for plants and significantly improves soil quality by increasing organic content and water retention capacity. However, its management requires care to avoid leaching of nitrates and other environmental impacts.
Furthermore, digestate contributes positively to the environment and climate by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes carbon sequestration in the soil.
Market and regulation strategies
The document also explores market strategies and success stories in the commercialization of the digestate, and the regulatory framework in the EU to facilitate its use and promote sustainable management practices.
In the context of the circular bioeconomy, digestate must be considered a product that provides tangible benefits both at an agricultural and environmental level. As Europe moves towards more ambitious sustainability goals, digestate is emerging as a key component in sustainable resource management and climate change mitigation.
