The basics of biogas for smallholder farmers

Anaerobic digestion, or biodigestion, involves the microbial degradation of organic materials in an oxygen-free environment. Feedstocks for anaerobic digestion include livestock manures, crop residues, culled fruit and vegetables, food waste, and other organic by-products. The process produces renewable energy in the form of biogas (which is mostly methane) and a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a biofertilizer instead of commercial fertilizers.

Presenter: Dr. Ann Wilkie is a Professor of Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology in the Soil and Water Science Department at the University of Florida - IFAS. Dr. Wilkie’s specialty is microbial metabolism, with particular emphasis on anaerobic processes and biomass to biofuel conversion. Dr. Wilkie is an internationally recognized expert in biogas technology and has conducted leading research on the practical application of anaerobic digestion for waste treatment and renewable energy production from biomass and organic residues, including livestock waste, food waste, bioethanol and biodiesel byproducts, and other waste streams.