What is digestat?

Digestate is the residual material remaining after the anaerobic digestion of organic materials. It is produced through the process of breaking down organic matter, including food waste, farm waste, and sewage sludge, in a closed vessel or a lagoon system, with the help of anaerobic bacteria. Digestate is rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, making it suitable to be used as a fertiliser for crops and plants. It is also used as a soil conditioner and can improve soil quality and increase crop yields. However, the safety of digestate as a fertiliser depends on the quality of the organic material used in the anaerobic digestion process, as harmful pathogens and heavy metals can be present in poorly processed digestate. The safe use of digestate as a fertiliser is governed by regulations and guidelines established by the relevant authorities in different countries.