Composted biowaste digestates as fertilizers: effects on soil chemistry and plant development in a three-year field trial

Authors

  • Christina-Luise Roß Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Karen Sensel-Gunke Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Verena Wilken Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Andreas Muskolus Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Gardy Krause Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lebenswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften, FG Acker- und Pflanzenbau
  • Steffi Tschuikowa Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Anastasia Hübner Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Volker Fiebrich Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Agrar- und Stadtökologische Projekte
  • Frank Ellmer Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lebenswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften, FG Acker- und Pflanzenbau

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2018.06.03

Keywords:

Biowaste, heavy metals, digestates, pelleting

Abstract

In a three-year field trial, composted digestates from biowaste were tested for their potential for plant cultivation and their effect on soil chemical parameters. In addition, the preparation processes of pelleting and agglomeration and their effect on the digestate properties were investigated. It has been found that the immediate fertilising effect of the products is low due to the low nitrogen availability. However, there was a significant increase in carbon content in the soil, suggesting a relevant humus repro­duction potential from such digestate products. Agglo­merate formation and pelleting appear to further slow the mineralization of the products, negatively affect­ing nutrient release but positively impacting carbon sequenc­ing. Particularly problematic in biowaste are high levels of heavy metals and other impurities. The statutory limits were exceeded in 50% of the batches exa­mined, but only max. 7% of the discharged heavy metals were recovered in the aboveground plant material.

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Published

2018-06-01

Issue

Vol. 70 No. 6 (2018): Biannual issue crop science

Section

Original Article

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