Effects on Plant and Soil of Anaerobic Digestates Application: Results of a Two-Year Field Study on Fodder Crops

摘要

Under anaerobic condition organic substances are broken down to simpler chemical components by a naturally occurring process. During decomposition methane is produced and digestate is obtained as by-product. Anaerobic digestates largely contain plantnutrients (N, P and K) and these residual materials can be used as organic fertilizers or as soil amendments and applied to cultivated soils. The agronomic management of digestate is also related to the presence of heavy metals and other inorganic contaminants. The utilisation of these materials could increase pollution risks, especially if homogeneous distribution and correct dosage are not respected. One of the possible solutions is to apply the organic amendments on fodder crops which are not directly used as food. Objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of anaerobic digestates in comparison with mineral fertilisers on graminaceous and leguminous fodder crops.