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‘It smells less and I have to buy less fertiliser. I no longer buy antibiotics because there is no more mastitis.’

Family Van Poppel
Dairy farmer (NL)

Versatility of Digestate

Fermenting manure produces not only energy. Fermented manure becomes digestate, a very rich product.

Digestate is not just an improved fertilizer. It smells less, and when separated into a thick and a thin fraction, the thick fraction is perfect to use as bedding in stalls, and the thin fraction is the perfect raw material for a nitrogen stripper.

Differences between slurry and digestate

Clear differences exist between slurry and digestate, especially shortly after application where digestate releases more nitrates to the soil. With about 30% less organic matter and dry mass than slurry, digestate retains similar overall nutritional value but with a higher ratio of readily available mineral nitrogen. This results in an increase of about 20% in directly absorbable nitrogen compared to slurry. However, the remaining organic matter of digestate can still release nitrogen slowly, which can contribute significantly to nitrogen supply in later seasons, especially after spring application.

Less odour nuisance, happy neighbours

Due to degradation of volatile fatty acids, digestate has much less of the typical manure smell.

This has been a positive side effect with many of our customers, as it has been very well received by neighbours.

There is some talk that digestate stinks, but this is about large co-digesters where other products like glycerine or a supermarket mix are added.

By adding these energy-rich by-products, you have just the opposite that occurs. Volatile fatty acids and hence odour nuisance increase.

Biobedding in the cubicles

Biobedding is separated manure that you can use in the cubicles in dairy cattle.

Biobedding is made by a manure separator that separates the liquid fraction and the solid fraction. The solid fraction is the basis of biobedding. It is ideal for cows because it is comfortably dry. As a result, there is less risk of infection compared to harder material. Moreover, it contributes to circularity because you recycle your company’s own manure. On top of that, it brings health benefits to your animals.

To give you an idea, here are some independent studies:

Saving on Fertilizer

In practice, we see a significantly reduced use of artificial fertilizers when digestate is applied in a targeted way.

As an example, below is the analysis of a British farmer who has been using a Biolectric installation for five years. In 2023, he saved €90 per hectare on artificial fertilizers compared to slurry. This is because more ammonium nitrogen is directly available, allowing crops to efficiently absorb it during the growing season.

Additionally, there is less organic nitrogen present, which reduces the risk of leaching in winter and prevents nitrogen from entering groundwater. This is especially important in nitrate-sensitive areas.

Not convinced yet? Scientific research has been conducted at a Flemish government farm. Read all the details here:

The 4C principle

The variability of digestate, depending on the diversity of input materials, underscores the importance of precise analysis to determine the specific amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus being added.

  • Correct manure type Choose digestate for crops that require a lot of nitrogen immediately and for a longer time, or for short cycles with post-cultivation.
  • Correct time: Apply digestate just before sowing or planting to avoid nitrogen loss.
  • Correct dose: Match the amount to the crop type, crop history, fertilisation plan and soil characteristics such as carbon percentage.
  • Correct method: Given the higher pH of digestate, use emission-limiting application techniques to minimise emissions.

Digestate is a better product than manure

Digestate contains a concentration of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need to grow. These nutrients are often more readily available to plants in digestate than in the original manure or plant material.

Digestate offers significant benefits as it is a natural alternative to artificial fertilizers. By using digestate, you can reduce your dependence on purchased fertilizers, leading to cost savings. Digestate provides essential nutrients that improve soil health, promote crop growth, and support a more sustainable agricultural cycle. These fertilizer cost savings not only improve your financial results but also contribute to more environmentally friendly farming practices.

The fermentation process can help reduce pathogens, making it a safer product to use as fertiliser.

Digestate has a much lower odour compared to raw manure, making it more pleasant for both the user and the environment

Using digestate as fertiliser helps recycle organic waste and helps reduce the use of chemical fertilisers, which is better for the environment.

Adding digestate to soil can help improve soil structure, water retention and permeability, leading to healthier soil and better plant growth.

Digesting organic waste into digestate and biogas reduces the amount of methane that would otherwise be released when this waste rots in open air, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

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info@biolectric.be

Maandag - vrijdag
8:30 - 17:00

Maandag - vrijdag
8:30 - 17:00

Maandag - vrijdag
8:30 - 17:00

Maandag - vrijdag
8:30 - 17:00