The Use of Digestate for Fertilizing Corn as an Element of Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in Ukraine

This study examines the influence of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable components of sustainable development on the production of bioorganic fertilizer “Effluent”, derived from the anaerobic digestion of pig manure in a biogas facility. The research focuses on its application in corn cultivation technologies to enhance crop yield and quality. The authors considered the technologies of using liquid manure as an organic fertilizer, which is currently the most rational way of directly applying it to the fields after preliminary anaerobic fermentation in biogas plants. This fertilizer has been found to contain a significant amount of macro- and microelements and beneficial microflora. The application of such fertilizers addresses the environmental aspect of livestock waste management, particularly from pig farms, contributes to the energy sector through biogas production, and mitigates economic and social challenges within the agricultural industry. The findings of this study confirm that optimizing plant nutrition through a balanced supply of macro- and microelements can significantly enhance productivity, improve product quality, and contribute to soil fertility. The use of the bio-organic fertilizer “Effluent”, derived from digestate, presents a sustainable solution for the disposal of livestock waste from large industrial complexes, while simultaneously promoting the sustainable development of agriculture and local communities. This approach enables the production of organic plant and vegetable products while simultaneously managing livestock waste, optimizing the use of natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, and contributing to the nation’s food and energy security as well as the sustainable development of rural areas.