Enhancing the Agronomic Value of Anaerobic Digestate: A Review of Current vs. Emerging Technologies, Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

Global concerns about resource depletion, climate change, and nutrient pollution in aquatic systems are compelling a transition towards zero-waste industries. With the skyrocketing carbon footprint of the modern fertiliser industry, sustainable options are highly sought after. Anaerobic digestion of organic waste to generate renewable biogas and fertiliser production from the residual nutrient-rich digestate are promising nutrient recovery and recycling avenues. This review explores the potential use of anaerobic digestate to develop value-added agronomic products, focusing on the quality and safety parameters pivotal to its fertiliser value. A comprehensive review of conventional and cutting-edge technologies available for digestate processing into organic/organo-mineral fertilisers has been conducted, highlighting emerging sustainable approaches. Specifically, this review unravels novel aspects of enhancing digestate quality with biostimulants such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, humic substances and biochar for biofertiliser/slow-release fertiliser production. Additionally, methods and guidelines to assess and address environmental impacts by digestate application on croplands and challenges in the commercialisation of digestate-based fertilisers were analysed. This review also underscores the importance of valorising anaerobic digestate as a fertiliser in implementing a circular bioeconomy within the agroindustry.