Anaerobic digestion of food processing waste, crop residues and other high energy "waste products" is well established internationally. There is increasing activity in this space in New Zealand, led by the Bioenergy Association.
The solid residues from anaerobic digestion of organic matter are referred to as digestate. Digestate contains macro- and micro-nutrients and as such can be a useful alternative to mineral and synthetic fertilisers.
Users can now enter biodigestate fertilisers into their Overseer analyses, enhancing decision making processes and traceability.
Users will need to ensure that they have the required data inputs in order to correctly enter the details of each digestate application.
As the feedstuffs in an anaerobic digestor may change on a regular basis each batch should be recorded seperately:
Some general information regarding digestate biofertiliser is included below. Further useful information can be explored here , and in particular the "Digestate and compost use in agriculture - Good practice guidance".
Users will want to check with their processors before using biofertiliser or other forms of organic fertiliser.
As little work on the use of biodigestate has yet been done in New Zealand, users may find the advice of ADHB from the UK useful. Their full advice can be found here