Strukturen landwirtschaftlicher Biogasproduktion im ökologischen Landbau in Deutschland

Summary

The relevance of biogas on organic farms is increasing. To analyse the structures, development and importance of biogas production in the organic sector, telephone-based and face-to-face interviews have been carried out on more than 80 plant managers. Today at least 120 biogas plants with an electrical power of 15-20 MWel are installed. Since 2005 the number of biogas plants has increased by about 1/3, the electrical power by about 64%. Most of the plants are located on forage cropping farms, but at currently more and more so-called biogas farms have come into existence. The main reasons for acquiring biogas – beside generation income from electricity sales - are positive effects on crop production, upgrading of organic fertilis-ers and a sensible use of grass/clover and grassland. The acquisition of substrates and the use of maize have a great importance in organic farming.