Evaluation of a digestate as organic fertilizer

Abstract

The dry biodigestion process is an alternative for the management of solid organic waste, which generates a main product called biogas, and a by-product called digestate. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out in Bogotá Colombia and aimed to evaluate the potential of using the digestate, identifying alternatives for its use in agriculture. The by-product obtained was subjected to physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluations, which allowed evidence of a stability of the material from the variables studied. The foregoing allowed us to conclude that the bio digestate can be used in possible soil recovery and fertilization plans as fertilizer and non-humic organic amendment, since it fully complies with the requirements of Colombian Technical Standard 5167 of 2004. However, it is recommends stabilizing this material through composting processes and thus managing its moisture content and possible phytopathogenic microorganisms.