Agronomic Use of Slurry from Anaerobic Digestion of Agroindustrial Residues: Effects on Crop and Soil

Abstract

In a greenhouse experiment we evaluated the application of slurry generated by a biogas reactor of agroindustrial residues. The objectives of this study were to determine the response to slurry application on dry matter production and nutrients absorption of Setaria italica (setaria), and to evaluate the effect of the slurry on soil properties. Two soils, of different texture, were mixed either with slurry or with diammonium phosphate (DAP) at 0, 80, and 160 kg N ha−1 equivalent rates. The setaria was harvested 68 days after planting, and separated into leaves plus stems, ears, and roots. Total biomass and content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were determined in each fraction. In the soil we determined pH, electric conductivity (EC), organic C, available P, mineral N, and exchangeable cations. Although the biomass produced and the amounts of nutrients absorbed were different in the two soils, in both of them setaria responded to the slurry application.