EFFECT of digestates derived from the fermentation of maize-legume intercropped culture and maize monoculture application on soil properties and plant biomass production

Abstract Background The use of maize-legume mixed culture to produce renewable energy and fertilizers by anaerobic fermentation (AD), while respecting soil quality is a favourable approach in sustainable farming. This paper investigates how the substrate (silage) composition affects digestate thus its effect on selected parameters (respiration, content carbon nitrogen). high remaining nutrients (mainly N) AD residual biomass may increase amended plants. One objective this study was determine different digestates produced intercropped (mixed) cultures. Other objectives focused impact properties yield tested plant (lettuce) pot experiment, carried out under controlled conditions growth chamber for 6 weeks. Variants experiment included negative control, maize ( Zea mays L.) digestate, broad bean Vicia faba white lupine Lupinus albus + digestate. Results As compared maize, silage from (or legumes) positively affected (content N, P, K, Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Neutral (NDF), Lignin (ADL). application depended composition: highest basal respiration induced with increased dry matter ADF – lupine. variant showed glucose-induced 0.75 (μg CO 2 ·g -1 h ), lowest value (0.45 μg ). derived more than that single (+ 14% 33% variant). Conclusions A potential found made leguminous plants N content. Nevertheless, it desirable C/N ratio raising amount C containing substances. Fertilization (compared unfertilized control); however, differences among individual were not observed. benefit legume added maize-based proven, especially contribution arable soil. Graphical abstract