What is Anaerobic Digestion?

  • Decomposition of manure and other organic materials under air-free conditions into a mixture of methane, CO2 and water (biogas)
  • Involves four steps, each with different groups of micro-organisms
  • Each group of micro-organisms has specific preferences for temperature and acidity (pH)
  • The resulting process is a compromise. Conversion speed depends on the substrate and conditions in the digester

Anaerobic Digestion & Bio-slurry: what it is and how to apply it

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Figure: Steps in domposition of organic material.
CH4 = Methane.
(source: M Ronteltap)