Nitrogen revolution: Clever fertilize with mixed silphie!

Nitrogen revolution: Clever fertilize with mixed silphie!

The mixed silphie (Silphium Permeatum L.) has established itself as a persistent perennial that is particularly important in agriculture as an alternative biogas plant. This plant belongs to the Korbblütler family and is characterized by high biomass production, which makes it ideal as a substrate for biogas production. Like Wochblatt DLV reports, the harvest takes place between mid-August and mid-September and offers farmers valuable opportunities. But what about the fertilization strategy?

The nutrient removal of the Silphie is theoretically not a big problem, since the fermentation residues can be traced back from biogas plants. However, there are challenges in fermentation fertilization, because the risk of gaseous nitrogen loss should not be underestimated. As part of the "Silphieguide" research project, various fermentation fertilization variants will be examined from 2022 to 2024 to improve nitrogen recycling. Among other things, comparisons are made between the towing hose technology and other procedures to ensure effective manure expansion.

fertilizer strategies on the test bench

The tests take place at the Straubing location and on practice areas. Particularly noteworthy are the innovations that come into play in the fertilizer strategies, e.g. the use of slit and injection devices that are intended to reduce gaseous N-losses. This is described in detail by tfz bayern . The researchers show that the fertilization of the silphie with fermentation is useful, but the nitrogen recycling still has to be improved.

In a current study, it was found that the fermentation fertilization in the autumn season is less effective than that in spring. The trials showed that the fermentation residues should be applied in spring to minimize N losses, whereby soil loosening also leads to better results before applying.

Various use of fermentation

fermentation from biogas plants have asserted themselves as a valuable source of nutrients and are used in agriculture. Energy Renewable emphasizes that they are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and that the soil structure and the soil structure sustainably improve. Farming residues not only promote water retention, but also the microbial activity in the soil.

In addition, innovative treatment technologies can clearly optimize the use of fermentation, which means that they support sustainable agricultural initiatives. For example, by lowering the costs for synthetic fertilizers, fermentation also offers economic advantages for farmers.