Title:
From Waste to Value: Nutrient Characteristics of Bioslurry from Indian Biogas Feedstocks
Author(s):
Jindo, K., Siegmund-Schultze, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
India’s growing energy and agricultural demands have heightened interest in sustainable alternatives such as compressed biogas (CBG). A key by-product of CBG production, bioslurry, is a nutrient-rich organic residue with potential to replace synthetic fertilizers and improve soil health. This study evaluates the chemical and physical characteristics of bioslurry derived from diverse feedstocks—press mud, cow dung, municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, fruit and vegetable waste, spent wash, and mixed inputs—collected from biogas plants across six Indian states. A total of 20 samples, including both solid and liquid fractions, were analyzed for macronutrients (N, P, K), organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), heavy metals and moisture content. Press mud and mixed feedstocks showed higher phosphorus content, especially in solid form. Total organic carbon was significantly higher in solid digestates, enhancing their potential for improving soil structure. While heavy metals such as chromium and nickel were more concentrated in solid fractions, all levels remained below international safety thresholds. Principal component and correlation analyses revealed distinct patterns linked to feedstock type and digestate form. These findings support the use of bioslurry—especially solid forms from press mud—as a safe, nutrient-rich amendment to advance sustainable agriculture in India.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, municipal solid waste (MSW), sugarcane, soil fertility, biomethanol
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials and Chemicals
Subtopic:
Processes for biomaterials and bio-based chemicals
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
6BV.2.9
Pages:
1100 - 1103
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-6BV.2.9
Price:
FREE
