Professional paper

The application of digestate and compost on grasslands

Krešimir Bošnjak ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska *
Marina Vranić ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ranko Gantner ; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilišta J.J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to give an overview of the application of digestate and compost in forage production on grasslands. Digestate as a residue of anaerobic digestion of organic materials and compost as a stabilized humus material obtained by aerobic decomposition of organic materials are recognized as fertilizers and soil improvers in agricultural production. Both represent a source of organic matter (OM) and plant nutrients, and have a positive effect on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The application of digestate and compost on grasslands results in an increase in grassland productivity without a negative impact on the quality of forage and with a very small and limited impact on the botanical composition of grasslands. The amounts of AD and compost applied to grasslands depend on the nutrient content and planned yield. The approximate amount of AD applied to grasslands ranges from 25-170 t or m3 ha-1, and compost 60-70 t ha-1. These amounts introduce only a part of the nutrients that are in the case of nitrogen (N) sufficient to form yields of 1.5-2.5 t DM (AD) and 4-5 t DM ha-1 (compost). Due to the high potential of nutrient losses mainly through NH3 and N2O emissions and nitrate leaching, special attention should be paid to the timing and methods of AD and compost application on grasslands. This reduces nutrient losses and increases the efficiency of AD and compost application as fertilizers in forage production on grasslands.

Keywords

organic fertilizers; grasslands; anaerobic digestion; digestate; compost

Hrčak ID:

319518

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/319518

Publication date:

15.7.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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