Optimization of nitrogen utilization and climate impact of recycled fertilizers in organic farming

Summary

Yields, nitrogen use efficiency and climate impact of liquid and solid digestates in a 7-year field experiment in Switzerland are presented, showing that liquid organic fertilizers are able to achieve similar yields as mineral synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, while nitrogen uptake and use efficiency are lower. Emissions of N2O were similar in all fertilized treatments. Solid digestates showed strong effects on soil quality and microbial community composition, but low yield effects and nitrogen use efficiency.