We apply anaerobic digestate as fertiliser for our crops. The option is not available in the tool, what should I choose?

We apply anaerobic digestate as fertiliser for our crops. The option is not available in the tool, what should I choose?

We acknowledge the gap in our tool regarding the inclusion of Anaerobic Digestate (AD) digestate as a fertilizer option. While we've received requests to add this functionality, we have faced constraints in terms of funding and priority compared to other tool developments. Integrating an AD model into the tool is a complex task due to various factors influenced by digesters, including wastewater treatment, storage leakage, renewable energy sources, on-farm residue disposal, and livestock bedding generation. These complexities contribute to the extended time required to implement such functionality.


As a workaround, you can choose from the following options based on the nitrate content of your digestate:

Cattle Digestate: If your AD digestate has a similar composition to cattle digestate, you can select this option.

 

Compost Zero Emissions 1%N: This option is suitable if your digestate has low nitrate content. It does not include emissions associated with fertiliser production.

 

If you produce your own plant digestate from on-farm residues, you can follow these steps:

-Indicate the amount of plant digestate used (in dry matter) under the "residues" section. Adjust the volumes if necessary to accurately reflect the dry matter content.

-Select the management option "removed from field for use." This choice will not calculate emissions for residue management.

 

While these workarounds may not be a perfect match for AD digestate, they provide reasonable approximations and help you manage your emissions calculations within the tool's existing options. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work towards expanding the tool's capabilities in the future.