Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T013
Published online: 22 April 2026
Optimization of digestate application methods for improved maize yield and grain quality
Małgorzata Szwed*1, Milan Koszel1 and Przemysław Tkaczyk2
1 Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głeboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobioengineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: malgorzata.szwed@up.edu.pl
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural systems requires the development of alternative fertilization strategies that improve crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion, represents a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter that can be effectively used in crop production. The efficiency of its use, however, depends largely on the method of application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different digestate application methods on maize yield and selected grain quality parameters.
A field experiment was conducted under temperate climate conditions in Lublin, Poland. Digestate was applied using two methods: surface application and subsurface application, with three different application rates. The study assessed grain yield, moisture content, and selected physical properties of maize grain. The results indicated that both the method and rate of digestate application significantly influenced maize productivity and grain characteristics. Subsurface application improved nutrient utilization efficiency and resulted in higher yields compared to surface application. Additionally, selected physical properties of grain were positively affected by optimized digestate management. The findings confirm that appropriate selection of digestate application methods can enhance the effectiveness of fertilization and support sustainable maize production.
Keywords: digestate; fertilization methods; maize; nutrient efficiency; yield
How to cite
Szwed M., Koszel M., Tkaczyk P., 2026. Optimization of digestate application methods for improved maize yield and grain quality. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T013