A recent practice abstract highlights the growing potential of digestate as a biofertiliser within sustainable and circular agriculture systems. Field-scale trials comparing digestate with mineral fertilisers show that digestate can achieve comparable, and in some cases higher, crop yields, while supporting nutrient recycling and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs . The study also introduces important innovations at process level, such as ammonia stripping to recover ammonium sulphate and improve both fertiliser quality and process efficiency. At the same time, it identifies key operational considerations, including emission management, nutrient dynamics, and application techniques, noting that practices like soil injection can significantly reduce odour and environmental impact. The findings underline a clear strategic direction: digestate should not be treated as a by-product, but as a refined, regulated fertiliser solution integrated into precision agriculture systems. Moving forward, combining technological upgrading, proper nutrient management, and supportive regulatory frameworks will be critical to unlocking its full potential and enabling wider adoption in mainstream agricultural markets.
