A new study has uncovered how combining biogas slurry with reduced chemical fertilizer can dramatically boost spring onion yields while promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Led by Zhang Jitao from the Shanxi Academy of Organic Dryland Agriculture at Shanxi Agriculture University, the research—published in Guan’gai Paishui Xuebao (Journal of Groundwater)—offers a promising alternative to chemical-heavy farming.
Conducted from May to October 2022, the study tested five different fertilization methods: no fertilizer (NF), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), biogas slurry alone (BS), and two blends of slurry with less chemical fertilizer (BSF1 and BSF2).
The standout result came from the BSF1 treatment, which increased spring onion yield by up to 92.53% compared to unfertilized plots. It also delivered the highest nitrogen use efficiency (59.34%) and fertilizer utilization rate (31.60%), revealing the potential of biogas slurry to supplement or partially replace traditional fertilizers.
Beyond yield, the study also found that biogas slurry enriched the soil’s carbon and nitrogen content and helped sustain a more diverse and resilient microbial ecosystem—something chemical fertilizers alone tended to diminish. This microbial diversity plays a critical role in maintaining long-term soil health and improving plants’ resistance to environmental stresses.
The implications extend beyond agriculture. Biogas slurry is a byproduct of renewable energy production from organic waste. Repurposing this nutrient-rich slurry for agriculture not only reduces the cost and environmental toll of synthetic fertilizers but also creates a circular economy where waste becomes a resource.
Download the Ebook now
As demand for sustainability grows, this synergy between agriculture and the energy sector may unlock new investment opportunities and expand the role of clean energy in farming.
Read Also: Dromedaries’ Foraging Habits Offer New Hope for Sustainable Farming in Morocco
Zhang Jitao’s findings reinforce the value of biogas slurry as both an agricultural booster and an environmental solution, making a compelling case for its integration into mainstream farming practices. In a world facing climate stress and food insecurity, this approach offers a blueprint for greener, more efficient agriculture.