Assessing nitrous oxide emissions and productivity of cropping systems for biogas production using digestate and mineral fertilisation in a coastal marsh site

Summary

Significant greenhouse gas emissions during substrate cultivation reduces the potential environmental benefits of biogas production. This study investigates the productivity of different cropping systems and their environmental impact in terms of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions under the environmental conditions of the coastal marsh regions (Northern Germany) with heavy clay soils, in a 2-year field trial (April 2009-March 2011). Treatments included four cropping systems (perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne , PR) ley, continuous maize ( Zea mays ), a rotation (CR1) of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum , IR) and maize, and a rotation (CR2) of maize, winter wheat and IR; two sources of N (nitrogen) fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate, and biogas resi