Whole digestate generally contains coarse fibres, and is therefore most useful where the addition of organic matter is beneficial to the soil. If whole digestate is spread by surface application there will be surface residue after spreading. To reduce nitrogen loss, and to maximise the benefits to the soil, it is advised that whole digestate is either spread beneath the crop cover or incorporated as soon as possible after spreading. Otherwise, it is advised that spreading is undertaken in or before light rain/mist, late in the evening or in cloudy still conditions.

Uses of other forms of digestate

Liquor

Liquor is whole digestate that has had the coarse fibres removed. It is an ideal fertiliser for grassland or for foliar application as there is negligible surface residue after spreading; it can also be used for hydroponic feeding as most of the nitrogen content is in forms of ammonium. This is the form of Nitrogen plants can use directly, however it also means the Nitrogen can be easily lost through volatilisation. It is advised that Liquor is applied directly on the ground surface or by shallow injection. To get the best effect it is advised not to spread in strong sunlight or with drying wind.

Fibre

Fibre is the coarse fibre separated out of the whole digestate when producing Liquor. The Fibre contains significant quantities of nutrients and has excellent water retention properties. It can be used fresh as a soil conditioner, or further composted by aerobic means to produce a stabilised material that can be used as a soil conditioner or as a mulch with slow release of nutrients to the plants. It is also suitable to be used as a base for other compost products. The fibre can be spread on land by standard design solid manure spreaders.   It is advised to incorporate after application on ploughed land or to be spread on grassland in Autumn or early spring to get most effect.

If the fibre is used fresh it may have a detrimental effect on seed germination rates, and may temporarily reduce nitrogen availability in soil. If the composted fibre is used as a growing medium, it generally will require dilution as the nitrogen content is usually too high for good growth of young plants.

Storage of processed products
The layout of the site, process management, packaging and transportation must be designed and operated to ensure that processed products do not become contaminated by other material that is not fully processed
All stores must comply with local agriculture and environmental best practice
Liquid stores must be covered to minimise volatilisation
Fibre may be temporarily stockpiled, without cover, before spreading, however all other digestate storage should be covered and any leachate produced should be contained. Storage and must comply with local agriculture and environmental best practice