The use of co-digested solid fraction as feedstock for biogas plants

A comparative study was set up in order to assess the technical feasibility of the long-term reuse of the mechanically separated co-digested solid fraction as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants (ADP). The biogas yields of two feedstock mixtures (A and B) were assessed in mesophilic conditions (40°C±2°C) using 6 lab-scale continuous stirredtank reactors. Feedstock mixture A (control) consisted of pig slurry (70%), farmyard manure (4%), sorghum silage (12%) and maize silage (14%). Feedstock mixture B was the same as the control plus the solid fraction derived from the mechanical separation of the output raw codigestate collected from the reactors. All reactors were fed simultaneously, three times a week, over a period of nine month. According to the study results, the reuse of the co-digested solid fraction as feedstock for ADP could increase the methane yield by approximately 4%. However, ADP efficiency evaluation (e.g., daily yield of methane per m3 of digester) suggests limiting this practice to a maximum time period of 120 days

The INNOSETA Platform: a web-tool to support dissemination of innovation and research in the crop protection sector

Postprint (published version

INNOSETA regional workshops: analysis of the needs for better dissemination of spraying innovations in vineyards and orchards

In the framework of the H2020 INNOSETA thematic network focused on agricultural spraying, 17 workshops were organised across Europe on issues related to the appropriation of spraying innovations by farmers. The objective of these workshops, which gathered a total of 850 people, was to foster exchanges between the various stakeholders (sprayer manufacturers, PPP companies, authorities, advisors, farmers’ representatives, researchers, etc.) in a multi-actor approach; to address issues related to the dissemination of innovation; and to identify ways to improve farmers’ uptake. Each workshop was organised as a technical day combining demonstrations of innovations with interactive discussions. The outcomes of the discussions highlighted in all countries are that there is still a lot to be donePostprint (published version

EU Agro Biogas Project

EU-AGRO-BIOGAS is a European Biogas initiative to improve the yield of agricultural biogas plants in Europe, to optimise biogas technology and processes and to improve the efficiency in all parts of the production chain from feedstock to biogas utilisation. Leading European research institutions and universities are cooperating with key industry partners in order to work towards a sustainable Europe. Fourteen partners from eight European countries are involved. EU-AGRO-BIOGAS aims at the development and optimisation of the entire value chain – to range from the production of raw materials, the production and refining of biogas to the utilisation of heat and electricity