Nitrogen losses to the environment following food-based digestate and compost applications to agricultural land

Summary

This field-based study, conducted by researchers at leading UK agricultural institutions including Rothamsted Research and ADAS, quantified the fate of nitrogen applied via food-based digestate and compost—organic materials increasingly used in circular food systems. The authors measured nitrogen losses across multiple environmental pathways and identified management practices that may mitigate such losses, contributing evidence on the sustainability trade-offs of organic waste recycling in agriculture. The findings support informed decision-making on organic fertiliser applications where environmental and agronomic outcomes must be balanced.

UK applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK agricultural practice and policy, as the study was conducted in UK field conditions and addresses the growing use of food waste-derived materials under UK circular economy and nutrient management regulations. Results inform Best Management Practice guidance for farmers and advisors seeking to maximise nutrient recovery whilst minimising environmental losses.

Key measures

Ammonia volatilisation rates, nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emissions, soil mineral nitrogen, nitrogen recovery efficiency

Outcomes reported

The study quantified nitrogen losses via multiple environmental pathways (ammonia volatilisation, nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emissions) following field applications of food-based digestate and compost to agricultural soils. The work identified management practices that may reduce such losses.

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