Nutrient recycling through liquid digestate use in ornamental crop fertilizations

Abstract

Large-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) is rapidly expanding in Argentina, particularly for the treatment of pig slurries. However, the sustainability of these techologies relies not only on biogas recovery but also on the proper use of digestates as fertilizers. This semiliquid material, rich in macro- and micronutrients, can serve as a biofertilizer in intensive horticultural and floricultural systems, replacing synthetic inputs, promoting resource reuse, and enhancing nutrient recirculation and circular economy within livestock production. In this context the aim of this study was evaluated the effects of liquid pig digestate on two ornamental species (Tagetes patula and Salvia splendens) and their growth substrate.