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The Chemical Composition of Biogas Digestates Determines Their Effect on Soil Microbial Activity

Author

Listed:
  • Kerstin Nielsen

    (Institute for Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects affiliated to Berlin Humboldt University, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany)

  • Christina-Luise Roß

    (Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Berlin Humboldt University, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany)

  • Marieke Hoffmann

    (Deutsche Umwelthilfe E.V., Hackescher Markt 4, 10178 Berlin, Germany)

  • Andreas Muskolus

    (Institute for Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects affiliated to Berlin Humboldt University, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany)

  • Frank Ellmer

    (Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Berlin Humboldt University, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany)

  • Timo Kautz

    (Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Berlin Humboldt University, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Digestates are commonly used as organic inputs in agriculture. This study aimed to answer four questions: (1) What are the immediate and longer-term impacts of digestates on soil microbial activity?; (2) How much of the digestates’ carbon is mineralized within the first months? (3) How do the nitrogen, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents of digestates influence microbial activity and carbon mineralization? (4) How does the soil type influence mineralization? To investigate this, dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was measured in a field trial and in laboratory experiments with five digestates (DGs), cattle slurry, and cattle manure. DHA measurements were supplemented with soil respiration experiments using two different soils. DHA was significantly increased by all organic inputs, but decreased back to the control level within seven months under field conditions. Twenty percent to 44% of the organic carbon (C org ) in the digestates was converted to CO 2 after 178 days. Soil respiration was significantly negatively correlated to lignin content (r = −0.82, p < 0.01) and not correlated to nitrogen, cellulose, or hemicellulose content. On the basis of equal carbon application, slurry promoted soil respiration and DHA more strongly than digestates in the short term.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerstin Nielsen & Christina-Luise Roß & Marieke Hoffmann & Andreas Muskolus & Frank Ellmer & Timo Kautz, 2020. "The Chemical Composition of Biogas Digestates Determines Their Effect on Soil Microbial Activity," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:10:y:2020:i:6:p:244-:d:375790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Veronica Arthurson, 2009. "Closing the Global Energy and Nutrient Cycles through Application of Biogas Residue to Agricultural Land – Potential Benefits and Drawback," Energies, MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Abubaker, J. & Risberg, K. & Pell, M., 2012. "Biogas residues as fertilisers – Effects on wheat growth and soil microbial activities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 126-134.
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    1. Speranza Claudia Panico & Valeria Memoli & Lucia Santorufo & Stefania Aiello & Rossella Barile & Anna De Marco & Giulia Maisto, 2022. "Soil Biological Responses under Different Vegetation Types in Mediterranean Area," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-17, January.

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