Farm biogas production in organic agriculture: System implications

Siegmeier, Torsten; Blumenstein, Benjamin; Möller, Detlev

doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2015.07.006

Cited by 47 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 97 publications

(155 reference statements)

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“…The integration of bioenergy and food production leads to possible benefits regarding farm productivity, stability, and resilience that may lead to an "eco-functional intensification" of organic systems [13]. The eco-functional intensification of organic agriculture has been claimed a strategy to manage current challenges regarding the sustainability of food and energy production.…”

Section: Biogas Production In Organic Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Further effects of AD in OFS include increased protein contents in cereals and a reduction of weed seed germinability. A detailed overview of system effects of biogas integration in OFS is given by Siegmeier et al [13].…”

Section: Biogas Production In Organic Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…While the scientific literature presents sufficient evidence for multiple positive systemic effects of AD and the benefits from biogas integration in OFS have been conceptualized and described in detail [13], there is still no empirical data on AD in OFS. The aim of this study was to provide empirical data on motivations for biogas production in organic agriculture, its structure and developments, biomass input strategies, as well as impacts of digestate fertilization on organic cropping.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Through integration of anaerobic digestion (AD) organic farms may contribute to the renewable energy supply without additional need for land, while simultaneously increasing food output [13]. This approach may be restricted to central European contexts and industrialized farming systems, yet it provides a contribution to overcoming the trade-offs commonly associated with agricultural biomass utilization for energetic purposes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrated Bioenergy and Food Production—A German Survey on Structure and Developments of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Farming Systems

et al. 2015

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Rising global energy needs and limited fossil fuel reserves have led to increased use of renewable energies. In Germany, this has entailed massive exploitation of agricultural biomass for biogas generation, associated with unsustainable farming practices. Organic agriculture not only reduces negative environmental impacts, organic farmers were also prime movers in anaerobic digestion (AD) in Germany. This study's aim was to identify the structure, development, and characteristics of biogas production associated with organic farming systems in order to estimate further development, as well as energetic and associated agronomic potentials. Surveys were conducted among organic farms with AD technology. 144 biogas plants could be included in the analysis. Total installed electrical capacity was 30.8 MWel, accounting for only 0.8% of the total installed electrical capacity in the German biogas sector. Recently, larger plant types (>250 kWel) with increased use of (also purchased) energy crops have emerged. Farmers noticed increases in yields (22% on average) and quality of cash crops in arable farming through integrated biogas production. In conclusion, although the share of AD in organic farming is relatively small it can provide various complementary socio-ecological benefits such as the enhancement of food output through digestate fertilization without additional need for land, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock manures and soils. However, to achieve this OPEN ACCESSSustainability 2015, 7 10710 eco-functional intensification, AD systems and their management have to be well adapted to farm size and production focus and based primarily on residue biomass.

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Section: Biogas Production In Organic Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Biogas Production In Organic Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrated Bioenergy and Food Production—A German Survey on Structure and Developments of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Farming Systems

et al. 2015

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“…This was also pointed out by Siegmeier et al (2015) who claimed that biogas bears a potential to increase both environmental and economic output at the farm [51]. In reality, there are currently only six farm scale plants in Norway [11], and only one of the plants is located within the region assessed in this study.…”

Section: The Profitability Of Biogas Production For the Farmersmentioning

confidence: 90%

Optimising Anaerobic Digestion of Manure Resources at a Regional Level

et al. 2018

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An optimisation model was developed to give decision support on methods of managing manure resources within a region to reduce greenhouse gases and at the same time obtain economic profitability for the farmer. The model was tested by performing a case study on 50 farms in one region in Norway. Based on input data on the number of cattle and pigs on each farm, and the transport distance between each farm and the nearest centralised biogas plant, the model calculates the economic profit of the farmer and the greenhouse gas emissions for three manure management alternatives: (1) no biogas production; (2) farm scale biogas production; and (3) centralised biogas production. The model could minimise the greenhouse gas emissions, maximise the profit for the farmers or a combination of the two. Results from the case study showed that both options for anaerobic digestion (farm scale and centralised biogas production) are beneficial in terms of the reduction of greenhouse gases and can be profitable for the farmers. The case study has validated the functionality and usefulness of the model. Some improvements are suggested for further development and use.

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High-Quality Fertilizers from Biogas Digestate

Sürmen

Kara

2021

Environment and Climate-Smart Food Production

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Farm biogas production in organic agriculture: System implications

Cited by 47 publications

References 97 publications

Integrated Bioenergy and Food Production—A German Survey on Structure and Developments of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Farming Systems

Integrated Bioenergy and Food Production—A German Survey on Structure and Developments of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Farming Systems

Optimising Anaerobic Digestion of Manure Resources at a Regional Level

High-Quality Fertilizers from Biogas Digestate

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