1- Atatürk Soil Water and Agricultural Meteorology Research Institute, Plant Nutrition and Soil Department, Kırklareli , volk.atav@gmail.com
2- Tekirdag Namık Kemal University, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Department
3- Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Department
Abstract: (135 Views)
The surge in biogas energy production has resulted in an accumulation of liquid digestate, a byproduct with possible agricultural utility. To discern its benefits and shortcomings, a field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of liquid digestate on maize yield, soil salinity, leaf and grain nitrogen (N) content. The study included both single-year and consecutive two-year applications of liquid digestate at doses of 10, 30, 50, and 70 t ha-1. Based on maize N requirements, any N deficit was supplemented with chemical fertilizers. For the one-year experiment, the highest grain yield was obtained from the chemical fertilization treatment and 70 t ha-1 dose of liquid digestate. In the two consecutive years, 70 t ha-1 dose gave the highest grain yield. Liquid digestate provided N to the soil as effectively as chemical fertilization and stabilized the soil pH within approximately 1 month. However high doses of digestate resulted in increased soil salinity and decreased N use efficiency (NUE). Consecutive two-year application increased electrical conductivity (EC) and pH stabilization in the soil to a greater extent than single-year applications. However, there was no difference in the N content of the plant between single-year and two consecutive applications. In summary, liquid digestate provides significant agricultural benefits such as pH stabilization and increased inorganic N levels. However, our findings indicate that overuse can lead to soil salinity and N losses, underscoring the importance of balanced application to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Article Type:
Original Research |
Subject:
Soil Chemistry, Fertility, Plant nutrition Received: 2023/09/7 | Accepted: 2024/01/1