Top: Graphic courtesy USCC

It is a fundamental fact that “compost and digestate are very distinct products resulting from aerobic and anaerobic processes, respectively,” notes the introduction to a new white paper released by the US Composting Council (USCC), Compost and Digestate: Dispelling the Confusion. Both are made from organic waste and have nutritional value for crop production, however “their differences significantly impact soil and environmental health,” it adds. “Compost and digestate are distinguished by production processes, physical and chemical properties, application techniques, emissions liability, contributions to soil organic carbon, long-term soil benefits, and the role in plant growth.” Explains Frank Franciosi, USCC’s executive director: “It’s important for people to understand that composting and anaerobic digestion (AD) are two completely different approaches to food waste recycling unless the digestate from AD is composted. This white paper provides easily understandable descriptions of compost and digestate to help people understand the implications of choosing either technology.”