Fact sheet: Nutrient value of AD digestate

Fact sheet: Nutrient Value of AD Digestate, November 2009, a research study by R Renquist & S Heubeck, NIWA

Research evidence is accumulating that biogas production via anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal manures, agro-industrial waste and byproducts and nutrient-rich plant biomass (energy crops) provides for further environmental benefits if the AD digestate (spent liquor) is used as an alternative fertiliser for crops and pasture. The value of AD digestate as an agricultural fertiliser is measured both as the cost of replaced fertiliser and its several environmental benefits.