Anaerobic digesters: From waste to energy crops as an alternative energy source

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the integrated organic waste-anaerobic digester-energy crop production system as a eco-agricultural system and to use anaerobically digested cattle slurry as fertilizer for safflower production. The value of slurry as fertilizer for growing safflower was compared with commercial organic and chemical fertilizers. According to the results of this study, higher yields were obtained from the application of anaerobically digested cattle slurry as fertilizer than the applications of commercial organic and chemical fertilizers such as aerobically digested cattle fertilizer, composted poultry fertilizer and compose fertilizer. Recycling of organic wastes by this system can decrease input of chemical fertilizer and use of fossil fuels. Also, it can improve soil texture. In conclusion, this system that combined organic waste, biogas production and energy crop production as an eco-agricultural system will play an important role in improving residential sanitation and economical development in rural areas.