A series of landmark trials are examining the potential for using anaerobic digestate as an alternative to commercial fertilisers in landscaping and regeneration projects.

The studies, organised by the Waste & Resources Action Programme, could boost the UK’s anaerobic digestion industry by opening up potential new markets for digestate, the nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser produced as part of the AD process.

The results could offer a cost effective alternative to expensive commercial fertilisers for the UK’s landscape and regeneration sectors, benefiting both small independent firms and large environmental regeneration projects.

In Yorkshire, a project is examining the effectiveness of anaerobic digestate when used as a sports turf fertiliser by injecting into golf greens and fairways.

Meanwhile in Cornwall, a former China clay pit near Camelford which is deficient in all major and most minor nutrients is being treated with anaerobic digestate to assess whether it can help establish vegetation on harsh landscapes.

And in Scotland the use of anaerobic digestate is being investigated in relation to establishing newly planted trees and energy crops.

Related stories: Veg firm sows seeds of green energy