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Nutrient Management

Biogas and Composting

Several million tons of organic waste are produced every year, with a projected increasing trend in the next few decades. Many producers of these wastes often pay large amounts for waste treatment or disposal through incinerators and landfills. Alternatively, there are sustainable methods of utilizing organic waste such as biogas conversion to produce renewable energy and production of organic fertilizer through composting [3].
Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

Biogas production and composting lessens the need to dispose of organic wastes [3]. The use of compost can increase the climate resilience of crops.

Climate Hazards

  • Rain-Induced Flooding

Locations

  • , Region III (Central Luzon)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Children
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women
  • Youth and Students

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Low

There is a large initial upfront cost to obtain the anaerobic digestion facility or biogas plant for the conversion of organic waste to energy. However, it would guarantee profit in the long run by decreasing reliance on petroleum products for energy source. The digestate which is the solid by-product of the biogas production could also be utilized as fertilizer similar to how composting utilizes organic waste. Use of organic fertilizer would lower production cost while increasing land productivity [4].

Technical Feasibility
Mid

Biogas plants are mostly established for municipal use which entails a complex digestion equipment, maintained and operated by technicians[1]. However, there have been recent attempts to develop portable biogas generators for on-farm use [4].

Social Acceptability
Low

This method has a low adoption rate (<30%) in Central Luzon and Calabarzon [2].

Environmental Impact
Mid (+)

This strategy promotes the use of a renewable energy source instead of petroleum products and increases soil quality and fertility through organic fertilizers.

Other Information

This practice facilitates the elimination of pathogens.

Mitigation co-benefit

This solution lowers greenhouse gas emissions from decomposition and incineration of organic waste (e.g. manure), utilization of petroleum products as energy source, and use of inorganic fertilizers [4].

Keywords

biogas, composting, reduced electricity cost, increased land productivity, increased income, nutrient management

References

[1] Department of Science and Technology-DOST. First biogas plant in Bicol powers Legazpi City abattoir. Published on: July 6, 2021. https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/72-2021-news/2326-first-biogas-plant-in-bicol-powers-legazpi-city-abattoir.html.
[2] Dikitanan, R., Grosjean, G., Nowak, A., Leyte, J. (2017). Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Philippines. CSA Country Profiles for Asia Series. International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); Department of Agriculture - Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture, Government of the Philippines. Manila, Philippines. 24. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/82572
[3] Pacis, M.C., Gutierrez, G., Averia, A. C. C., Samillano, O. G., and Tiongco, K. R. (2018). Development of a portable biogas generator for animal farms. AIP Conference Proceedings 2045, 020062. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5080875
[4] Sustainable Energy and Authority of Ireland. Anaerobic Digestion for On-farm Uses -Overview. Published on: June 2020. https://www.seai.ie/publications/Anaerobic%20Digestion%20-%20Overview%20Guide#:~:text=Anaerobic%20digestion%20(AD)%20is%20the,benefits%20for%20the%20agricultural%20sector.

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