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

Summary

This field-based investigation examined the environmental fate of nitrogen applied to agricultural land via food-based digestate and compost, quantifying losses through multiple pathways including ammonia volatilisation, nitrous oxide emissions, and nitrate leaching. The work, conducted by the UK's leading soil and nutrient research group, contributes evidence on the environmental efficiency and potential risks of organic waste recycling in agriculture. As suggested by the focus on comparative losses between digestate and compost products, the research aims to inform best practice in organic waste application timing and management.

UK applicability

Directly applicable to UK agricultural practice and policy. Food-based digestate and compost are widely promoted in UK farming under circular economy and nutrient management frameworks; this study provides empirical evidence on their environmental performance under British soil and climate conditions, informing regulations on organic waste application rates and timing.

Key measures

Ammonia volatilisation rates, nitrous oxide emissions, nitrate leaching losses, nitrogen recovery in soil and crops following digestate and compost application

Outcomes reported

The study quantified nitrogen losses (ammonia volatilisation, nitrous oxide emissions, nitrate leaching) following the application of food-based digestate and compost to agricultural soils under field conditions.

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