Phosphorus Uptake by Potato from Fertilizers Recovered from Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion of manure can produce renewable energy while creating nutrient-rich byproducts that may be recycled as fertilizers. This study evaluates phosphorus availability from fertilizers recovered from anaerobic digestion systems when applied to potato crops. Field trials compared potato phosphorus uptake and yield response using recovered fertilizers derived from digested manure against conventional phosphorus fertilizer sources.

Researchers measured plant phosphorus uptake, tuber yield, and fertilizer performance under field conditions to determine whether recovered products can provide an effective phosphorus source for crop production. The results show that fertilizers recovered from anaerobic digestion can supply plant-available phosphorus and support crop productivity comparable to conventional fertilizers under appropriate management. These findings demonstrate the potential for nutrient recovery technologies associated with anaerobic digestion to recycle phosphorus from manure streams and return it to agricultural soils, supporting more circular nutrient management systems in crop production.