Abstract
Despite phosphorus resources on Earth being limited, over fertilization in many agricultural situations causes significant resource consumption. Phosphorus-recycling within agricultural production can reduce global dilution into the environment and is thus essential to secure sustainable future supply. This study investigated the fertilization efficacy of phosphorus fertilizers recycled from biogas digestates in maize shoots grown under controlled greenhouse conditions, in two soils, in a pot experiment. Variables investigated were plant-available phosphorus in soil, plant biomass production, and concentration of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium in shoots. Soils were treated with three different fertilizer fractions, separated from biogas digestates, at equivalent phosphorus concentrations, using different combinations and application techniques, isolated or in combination, and compared to triple superphosphate (TSP) as a reference. One of the fractions (P-Salt) had effects on biomass production and plant phosphorus concentration equivalent to TSP in agricultural surface soil. In the second soil (with less active soil life and nutrient content), equivalence to TSP was achieved with combinations of two recycled fractions (P-Salt and dried solids). The enhancement of the phosphorus fertilizing effect by the solids was synergistic, indicating that the solids had a soil conditioning effect. The results show that biogas digestates are a valuable source for phosphorus recycling of fractions that have equivalent or even superior fertilizing properties compared to TSP.
Highlights
One of the main factors increasing agricultural production is the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers
This study investigated the fertilization efficacy of phosphorus fertilizers recycled from biogas digestates in maize shoots grown under controlled greenhouse conditions, in two soils, in a pot experiment
The results show that biogas digestates are a valuable source for phosphorus recycling of fractions that have equivalent or even superior fertilizing properties compared to triple superphosphate (TSP)
Summary
One of the main factors increasing agricultural production is the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Phosphorus (P), an essential and irreplaceable element and fertilizer component, is a key factor for crop growth and quality [1]. Agriculture accounts for the consumption of approximately 80% of P from phosphate rock for fertilizer production [2]. The continued increase in population and changes in human diet will put further pressure on agricultural production to meet the growing food demand. P is receiving more attention as a non-renewable resource [5,6]. These challenges stress the importance of finding alternative P sources in this century [7]. Possible candidates must have similar characteristics compared to standard mineral fertilizers and would need to be available in large amounts with consistent quality and similar fertilization potential, as one unique characteristic of P is its low availability in soils due to its slow diffusion and high fixation [8]
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