Digestate

Digestate as a growing material

Digestate is the material left after plant matter has been broken down to produce renewable energy.

While the process is modern, the principle is not. Returning broken-down plant material to soil has been part of agriculture for as long as crops have been grown.

Digestate represents nutrients that have already been through a biological process and are ready to re-enter the soil system.

What digestate does in the soil

Digestate contains readily available nutrients and organic material.

In soil, it:

  • Provides nutrients plants can access during active growth
  • Supports soil biology rather than bypassing it
  • Contributes organic material back to the soil

Used correctly, digestate supports growth without stripping soil structure or life.

Why timing matters

Digestate is best used just before plants are actively growing and nutrient demand is higher.

It is not intended as a constant input, but as a targeted support during periods such as flowering, fruiting, or strong vegetative growth.

This makes it a useful complement to slower, long-acting soil inputs like wooltiliser.

Why we use digestate to grow with

In our growing system, digestate allows us to:

  • Feed crops when demand increases
  • Avoid relying on synthetic fertilisers
  • Keep nutrients cycling through biological systems

It fits within an integrated approach where soil health is built first, then supported as needed.