Method of processing biomass digestate into organic-mineral fertilizer, and organic - mineral fertilizer produced by this method.

Abstract

The invention is related to a method of processing biomass digestate into an organic and mineral fertilizer, and organic and mineral fertilizer obtained by this method. In the method, a mineral mix comprising: 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of igneous rocks selected from a group comprising: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, diabase, porphyry, syenite, volcanic tuff, and from 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of sedimentary rocks, selected from a group comprising: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite, dolomite with particle diameter of 1 micron to 1 mm, and sulfur in an amount that guarantees sulfur content in the range of 0.3 - 5% by weight in the form of S / -SO3 in the fertilizer being the final product, and at least one potassium salt in an amount guaranteeing potassium content in the form of K2O in the amount of 3.5 - 10 % by weight in the fertilizer being the final product, is added to the biomass digestate at a weight ratio of 1% to 30% by weight per dry matter of digestate, and stirred until a homogenous mass of the organic and mineral fertilizer with water content of 5 - 8% by weight is obtained, the product is then crushed, granulated or pelletized.

Description

[0001] Method of processing biomass digestate into organic-mineral fertilizer, and organic - mineral fertilizer produced by this method.

[0002] The invention is related to a method of processing biomass digestate into organic-mineral fertilizer, and organic-mineral fertilizer produced by this method.

[0003] Biomass is the biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residue from agricultural production (including substances of plant and animal origin), forestry production and related industries, including fishing and aquaculture, as well as biogases and the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste. The term biomass refers to both, phytomass (plant biomass) and zoomass (animal biomass), as well as microbial biomass (e.g. plankton).

[0004] A distinction is made in ecosystems between producer biomass and consumer biomass, which make up the total biomass of a biocenosis. Producer biomass is created by photosynthesis. Consumers and reducers create their biomass at the expense of producer biomass. Through photosynthesis, solar energy is accumulated in the biomass, initially of plant organisms and later in the food chain also of animal organisms. Energy contained in biomass can be used for human purposes. This involves conversion to other forms of energy by burning biomass or burning the products of its decomposition. The burning produces heat, which can be converted into other forms of energy, such as electricity.

[0005] Biomass takes the form of fresh weight (living organisms or the natu ral mass of living organisms), and dry weight (the mass of living organisms after d rying or water evaporation). Biomass is expressed in units of weight (e.g. gram or kilogram), and in terms of organic carbon or in energy units (calorie, joule).

[0006] Post-fermentation biomass pulp, also known as biomass digestate, is a product of methane fermentation, most commonly carried out in biogas plants. Along with biogas, digestate is the primary product of biogas plants. Digestate is characterized by a relatively high content of micro- and macro-elements, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in mineralized form, and high biochemical stability.

[0007] An increasing number of biogas plants are being constructed to manage the production of organic substrates, such as manure, liquid manure, poultry litter, green substrate, corn silage, which need to be managed. The said facilities enable the utilization of organic substrates and recovery of energy in the form of gas produced in the fermentation process.

[0008] The value and quality of digestate depends on the dry matter content and on whether the feedstock is semi-liquid or solid. The chemical composition of the digestate depends on the composition of the substrate feedstock. The utilization or disposal of biogas plant digestate becomes a problem.

[0009] There are two types of biomass fermentation process: - mesophilic fermentation - which takes place at temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius and

[0010] - thermophilic fermentation, which takes place at 65 - 70 degrees Celsius.

[0011] Assuming that thermophilic fermentation is used (up to 70 degrees Celsius) - we obtain substrate free of harmful bacteria. It is a process of digestate hygienization. Such digestate contains a lot of minerals, from nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, trace elements and carbon to ammonia, which poisons the environment and smells unpleasant.

[0012] The following properties are important from the point of view of the fertilizing value of various waste materials: the content of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), the C:N ratio, which determines, among other things, the susceptibility of organic materials to mineralization, as well as pH and the content of trace elements, including heavy metals.

[0013] When analyzing all the above-mentioned parameters, it can be concluded that digestate meets the fertilization suitability criteria. The primary factor determining the chemical composition of the digestate is obviously the type of substrates used in a biogas plant. For this reason, each biogas plant produces a diverse mass. However, based on the analysis of reactions occurring during methane fermentation, it is possible to determine general physicochemical properties of the digestate, and, consequently, its fertilizing value.

[0014] An example of the chemical composition of digestate based on cattle manure and slurry includes: nitrogen in the form of NO3- NH4- 0.25 - 1.1% by weight, P2O5- 0.50 - 2.95% by weight, K2O - 2.40 - 3.50% by weight, CaO - 1.10 - 6.10% by weight, MgO - 0.80 - 2.20% by weight, Na2O - 0.75 - 1.50% by weight. It is characterized by an unpleasant odor due to its ammonia content.

[0015] After completion of the fermentation process in a biogas plant, in addition to gas, 2 types of digestate are obtained: a / solid, with moisture content of up to 30% b / liquid, in form of a suspension, with dry matter content of 5 - 12% by weight.

[0016] During methane fermentation, organic compounds are decomposed, which leads to a narrowing of the (carbon - nitrogen) C: N ratio in the digestate. This ratio is usually around 25-30:1, making the digestate susceptible to mineralization of remaining organic compounds.

[0017] This is very beneficial from the point of view of plant nutrition, as it speeds up the process of releasing nutrients in forms available to plants. Ammonification that occurs during fermentation leads to the formation of the ammonium form of nitrogen (N-NH4), which is the plant-available form of nitrogen. What is important from the perspective of environmental protection is that it undergoes exchangeable sorption in the soil, and is not leached into waterways like nitrate nitrogen (N-N03). However, it should be noted that with high N-NH4content and relatively high pH of the digestate (pH above 7), nitrogen loss in the form of ammonia can occur. Ammonia volatilization can occur during storage, as well as application to fields. Hence, it is extremely important to quickly cover the digestate applied to a field with soil.

[0018] Organic fertilizers improve soil properties, its structure, and thus water and air relations, creating better conditions for the development of soil microorganisms. They also contribute to maintaining a constant level of humus in the soil and counteracting its loss. Basic organic fertilizers include manure, liquid manure, slurry, straw, composts, peat, and plowed plant residues (potato stalks, leaves, crop residues). A feature of natural fertilizers is that they have an elemental complex needed by plants, however depending on the amount of organic matter they contain, these elements can be directly taken up by plants only after mineralization of organic compounds, a process that occurs thanks to soil microorganisms.

[0019] Mineralization occurs gradually, so the effect of these fertilizers is long- lasting, making them beneficial to plants with a long growing season. Organic fertilizers are a source of humus, so their use improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and enriches its microflora.

[0020] The decomposition of organic compounds that occurs during methane fermentation causes the remaining macro- and micronutrients contained in the digestate to occur in mineral forms, directly available to plants. This increases the efficiency of nutrient utilization from the digestate applied to fields. Sometimes, it can be compared to mineral fertilizers.

[0021] The occurring release of ammonia from the digestate causes both a loss of nitrogen content when it is used as a fertilizer in agriculture and horticulture; it also causes significant environmental contamination and has harmful effects on animals and humans.

[0022] This phenomenon has prompted a search for ways to stabilize the digestate and reduce the release of substances with a strong, unpleasant odor, and a way to transform biomass digestate into a solid fertilizer, available in a form that is easy to dose and use in agriculture.

[0023] Croatian patent application HRP20191674 (A2) discloses an organic fertilizer in form of pellets obtained from digestate of a biogas plant that replaces artificial fertilizer in the organic production of agricultural and fruit products.

[0024] American patent application US2020061541 (Al) discloses embodiments directed to methods and systems of concentrating effluent, removing nitrogen from an effluent, and producing fertilizer from an effluent. In another embodiment, the effluent is a digestate, such as from a biomass digester. In an embodiment, the digestate is concentrated and nitrogen is removed by performing forward osmosis using a draw solution and the digestate as a feed solution. The draw solution is subjected to reverse osmosis to produce an ammonium salt fertilizer. Phosphorus in the effluent may be precipitated as a struvite fertilizer.

[0025] Croatian patent application HRP20171658 (A2) discloses a process and system for treating and recycling of digestate obtained by anaerobic digestion of input biomass, i.e. manure, slurry, plant material and energy crops in a cogeneration biogas plant. The method of treating and recycling digestate and obtaining a fertilizer mixture from organic substrate of digestate obtained in anaerobic digestion of biomass in an AD digester under mesophilic conditions where digestate is the product of biogas production cycle in a cogeneration biogas plant comprises crystallization of the fertilizer mixture in a reactor by dosing magnesium salt, potassium salt and ammonium hydroxide with constant stirring and temperature and pH value measurement; separation of the solid fraction from the liquid fraction in a separator; chemical treatment of solid fraction in a reactor in acidic aqueous solution with constant temperature and pH value measurement; drying the acid- treated solid fraction in a drier, whereupon the resulting treated dry substance is introduced into an AD digester in which it is mixed with the input biomass; and anaerobic digestion of the treated dry matter mixture and the input biomass in the AD digester under mesophilic conditions.

[0026] International patent application WO2017180298 (Al) discloses a process for production of anaerobic digestate based organic fertilizer includes combining anaerobic digestate and one or more stabilized liquid fish products to create a combination of anaerobic digestate and one or more stabilized liquid fish products. The combination of anaerobic digestate and one or more stabilized liquid fish products is processed to yield the anaerobic digestate based organic fertilizer product.

[0027] International patent application WO2017180299 (A2) discloses a process for production of anaerobic digestate based organic fertilizer which includes combining anaerobic digestate and one or more grain by-products to create a combination of anaerobic digestate and one or more grain by-products. The combination of anaerobic digestate and one or more grain by-products is processed to yield the pH adjusted anaerobic digestate based organic fertilizer product.

[0028] Romanian patent application RO131788 A0 discloses a process for treating liquid digestate from biogas installations. According to the invention, the process consists in that the liquid digestate containing 3800 - 12900 mg / kg ammoniacal nitrogen, 230 - 480 mg / kg phosphorus and 3300 - 27200 mg O / l of organic matter is bubbled with 1 volume of air per volume of liquid digestate for 15-25 minutes, at a temperature of 30 - 35°C, by gradually admixing phosphoric acid 85%, up to a pH value of 2, to result in melanoid oxidation to humic acids, after which 125 - 130 mi of hydrated magnesium oxide as 20% suspension per 1 I of acidified oxidated liquid digestate, and struvite precipitation is initiated with humic acids, followed by completing the precipitation reaction and separating, by centrifugation, a supernatant consisting of treated water having an ammoniacal nitrogen content of 120 - 160 mg / kg and a fertilizer-type precipitate having a content of 1.41 - 2.1% ammoniacal nitrogen, 7.93 - 9.4% phosphorus, 9.6 - 15.26% magnesium and 1.4 - 1.6% organic carbon.

[0029] Polish patent application PL230067 Bl discloses a method of converting dry digestate into a liquid organic fertilizer with a high content of humic acids, in an amount of not less than 2g / l of fertilizer, and the fertilizer produced by this method.

[0030] International patent application W02014060687 (A2) discloses a method and unit for treating a digestate extracted from a methanization plant digestion tank. According to the invention, such a method includes: a step for mixing at least the liquid fraction of said digestate with an essentially inorganic material that contains a substantial amount of clay, zeolite, and / or diatomaceous eart h, for a duration long enough to allow said material to at least partially trap ionized ammonia nitrogen contained in said digestate; and a step for separating the solid fraction from said mixture.

[0031] German patent application DE102011087635 Al discloses a method of producing soil enhancing substrate, and comprises processing digestate obtained from biogas plants, mixing or contacting the digestate or liquid fraction of the digestate with at least one magnesium ion source and at least one phosphate ion- and / or hydrogen phosphate ion source, and optionally removing water from the substrate. An independent claim is also included for the soil enhancing substrate produced by the above method.

[0032] French patent application FR2991678 (Al) discloses a method of treating a digestate obtained from a process of anaerobic digestion of organic matter, which comprises separating digestate into a solid phase and a liquid phase, recovering and drying the solid phase, recovering the liquid phase, aerating the liquid phase to produce a nitrification reaction of ammonia nitrogen without denitrification reaction, removing suspended liquid phase material, concentrating fertilizer elements in nitrified liquid phase, recovering the concentrate and obtaining a liquid product, and adding liquid product to solid phase to be dried and obtaining a solid product. Independent claims are included for: (1) the product present in the form of liquid having a pH of < 7 and comprising potassium and nitrogen in the form of nitrites; (2) the product present in the form of solid having a solid content of greater than 50% and comprising potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus; (3) an installation for treating digestate comprising a unit for separating the solid phase and the liquid phase, a unit for recovering the solid phase, a unit for drying the solid phase, unit for recovering the liquid phase, a unit for aerating the liquid phase, a unit for removing the suspended liquid phase material, a unit for concentrating the fertilizer elements in the liquid phase, a unit for recovering the concentrated liquid phase, and a unit for adding the concentrated liquid phase to the solid phase to be dried during the drying step; and (4) use of liquid product in the treatment of digestate obtained from process of anaerobic digestion of organic matter as an agent for washing the solid phase.

[0033] American patent application US2007062232 Al discloses a method of producing novel phosphate and potash (PK) containing compound fertilizers in the form of powders showing good handle-ability by which method the phosphate components contained in an incinerated ash residue of chicken droppings is improved in solubility and thus rendered effective or available and, at the same time, the free CaO-derived alkali is neutralized, as well as such novel phosphate and potash (PK) containing compound fertilizers. The above object can be accomplished by adding an alkaline earth metal compound to the powdery incinerated ash residue of chicken droppings, adding a mineral acid to the resulting mixture, allowing the reaction to proceed and raising the reaction system temperature by utilizing the heat of reaction of the powdery alkaline earth metal compound with the mineral acid to thereby promote the reaction between the free CaO contained in the incinerated ash residue of chicken droppings and so forth with the mineral acid and convert the phosphate components to citric acid-soluble P205and, at the same time, maintaining the product neutral or weakly acidic.

[0034] Magma is a silicate melt formed in the interior of the Earth, where it undergoes various processes, including the crystallization of all minerals. Th e size of crystals in the rock depends on the rate of magma solidification. Slow cooling and solidification of lava promotes advanced crystallization of minerals and has a large impact on the form and size of crystals and their anisotropic properties. In turn, fast and sudden cooling of volcanic lava causes it to rapidly solidify into a supercooled, non-crystalline solid liquid called volcanic glass.

[0035] When magma rises to the Earth's surface, it is called volcanic lava. Rocks formed from lava rising from the interior of the Earth to its surface differ in internal and crystalline structure from rocks crystallizing in the interior of the Earth.

[0036] Quickly solidified volcanic rocks have the form of glaze, otherwise known as volcanic glass. An example of such rocks is perlite.

[0037] Minerals of extrusive igneous rocks have a diverse and rich chemical composition, widely-changing pH - ranging from ultra-alkaline, through alkaline, neutral to acidic, which allows the use of extrusive rocks to regulate the pH of the soil, igneous rocks crushed to clay forms, with grain size in the micron range, have water, vapor and gas sorption properties, and when applied to the soil, they are not leached into groundwater but fertilize soil, facilitate even growth of plants, thus influencing the quality and quantity of crops, stimulate growth of aerobic microorganisms in the soil - while inhibiting growth of anaerobic microorganisms, make plants resistant to biotic and abiotic stress, and allow to reduce the amount of pesticides and fungicides used, sorption properties of minerals can be used for ammonia absorption.

[0038] Abyssal rocks, vein rocks and igneous rocks formed after the outpouring of lava can undergo various processes, such as, for example, weathering in atmospheric conditions, resulting in metamorphism (transformation) - as a result of which metamorphic rocks are formed. An example of such rocks is vermiculite.

[0039] Volcanic tuff, on the other hand, is a type of light, porous pyroclastic rock. Binders of these rocks include silicates, carbonates and glaze. They have a rich mineral composition, including about 40 macroelements, microelements and trace elements. They are porous and very light, with density at the level of 1.6 g / cm3. These rocks were formed by cementing lava with a clay binder. Volcanic tuff has a high capacity to adsorb liquid and gaseous substances and absorb odors, and a high capacity to absorb ammonia and other gases from manure, slurry and liquid manure.

[0040] There are known natural minerals which, subjected to the process of fine crushing to clay forms, with grain size of up to 200 microns, obtain a very significant development of the specific surface area, which directly affects the acceleration of surface dissolution and leaching of biochemically active minerals, as well as the sorption properties of minerals crushed into clay form, which under these conditions demonstrate the capability to absorb various substances in the amount of 100 - 300% of their own weight.

[0041] The minerals include volcanic rock minerals. These include basalts, granites, syenites, gneisses, diabase, porphyry, amphibolites, and volcanic tuffs. All these rocks contain a lot of silicates, which have special sorption properties.

[0042] In natural conditions, these minerals, both in deposits, as well as minerals extracted from these deposits in the form of rock material, do not demonstrate the aforementioned sorption properties and have very low water solubility. However, after powdering to grain size of 1 to 200 microns, the obtained fine powder, thanks to the crushing of particles, has a developed specific surface area and demonstrates increased solubility as compared to the initial solubility of the mineral before it was crushed.

[0043] Natural minerals in the form of volcanic rocks, after being subjected to a process of fine crushing to particles with average grain size ranging from 1 - 200 microns - to the clay form - micron particles with a lamellar-crystalline structure, also acquire liquid sorption properties, which they absorb to a varying degree of saturation. Volcanic rocks are minerals that are sparingly soluble in water. The solubility of mineral components of these rocks is negligible and depends strictly on the interaction surface of crystals of minerals and water as a solvent; solubility depends strictly on the degree of fineness, which is measured by the specific surface area of the crushed material. Fine crushing of volcanic rocks to grain size from 1 to 200 microns causes a significant increase in their specific surface area i.e. the extension of the surface involved in the dissolution of components sparingly soluble in water, which directly affects the amount of components sparingly soluble in water that are dissolved and leached. Minerals crushed to micron parts of 1 - 200 microns are easily dissolved in the humic acids of the soil. Minerals leached from volcanic rocks, exert positive effect on plants once they enter the soil. Minerals exposed to soil humic acids and soil microorganisms produce favorable physicochemical conditions in the soil.

[0044] Subtly crushed natural volcanic rock minerals, with particle sizes up to 200 microns, inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and viruses and exhibit valuable bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be used as a valuable treatment for root systems, seeds and bulbs of plants for planting and cultivation. In addition to their valuable protective properties, they show no harmful effects on the environment.

[0045] Soil pH, adjusted by the addition of natural crushed volcanic rocks, provides conditions for the development of beneficial soil microorganisms, such as Azotobacter bacteria, which are free-living bacteria. There are about 26 strains of them. One of them can fix atmospheric nitrogen N2, without entering into symbiosis with plants. The power of microbiology can replace agrochemicals. Azotobacter bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen N2with the help of an enzyme - nitrogenase, building it into its own protein. At the end of their life cycle, they give nitrogen N2converted to the ammonium form of nitrogen, back to plants. These bacteria live around the rhizosphere of plants' roots, as well as on their leaves. There are strains of these bacteria that can produce phytohormones, chelate iron, for example, into a form assimilable by plants.

[0046] Vermiculite and perlite are a different type of rocks.

[0047] Vermiculite is a metamorphic rock from the hydramic group, formed during the weathering of biotite and phlogopite, some chlorites and other magnesium- containing silicates. It is an ecologically clean, brown, yellow-brown or gold-yellow mineral. Density of the mineral ranges from 2.4 to 2.7 g / cm3.

[0048] Chemical composition of vermiculite, percentage share by weight: SiO2- 35.0% - 41.0%, MgO - 14.5% -20.5%, Al2O3- 6.0% - 12.5%, Fe2O3- 6.0% - 9.5% , K2O - 3.0% - 6.0%, P2O5- 0.2% - 2.0%, CaO -1.0% - 4.0, Mn2O3- 0.05% - 0.08%, TiO2- 0.6% - 1.4%, Cr2O3- 0.01% - 0.15%, Cl - 0.1% - 0.5%, CO2- 0.6% - 2.5%, F - 0.1% - 0.5%.

[0049] Vermiculite demonstrates high moisture storage capacity and is therefore readily used in gardening. It is added to substrates grafted with mycorrhizal biopreparations. Additionally, even in an unprocessed form, it improves water-air relations and is a carrier of cations.

[0050] Perlite, in turn, is a rock of volcanic origin, otherwise known as volcanic glass. Obsidian is its variety. Chemically, it is an aluminosilicate. Perlite is formed when a volcano erupts under water and, during the eruption, water molecules enter the hot outpouring lava and get locked in rock particles (occlusion). Hence, the natural saturation of perlite with water ranges from 2% - 5% by weight.

[0051] Being a crushed ore, perlite has the following properties: it is a nonflammable and chemically inert mineral, it is non-hygroscopic - resistant to water and moisture, it has a low level of heat conduction, it demonstrates high resistance to a wide range of temperature fluctuations, and has a high resistance to pathogenic microorganisms, algae, fungi and plant pests.

[0052] Chemical composition of perlite - percentage share by weight: SiO2- 65.0% - 73.0%, AI2O3- 10.0% - 14.0%, K2O - 3.9% - 4.9%, Na2O - 2.0% - 3.4% CaO - 2.0% - 6.0%, Fe2O3- 0.8% - 2.0%, MgO - 0.3% - 0.5%, TiO2- 0.06% - 0.08%.

[0053] Obsidian (isophire) is a type of perlite. It is an acidic extrusive rock, composed almost exclusively of volcanic glaze, containing up to 1% of water by weight. Natural glass is created as a result of rapid cooling of lava. The chemical composition (mainly silicon dioxide), is related to the type of lava and includes many forms, from rhyolite obsidian to phonolite obsidian. It recrystallises with time, taking on the appearance of an ordinary, fine-grained rock.

[0054] Perlite and vermiculite, subjected to high temperature, usually in the range of 850-1000°C, undergo transformation of the microcrystalline structure and volumetric expansion. Due to the package structure, particles of finely crushed perlite and vermiculite give off the accumulated interlaminar molecular water during roasting and increase their volume approx. 15 - 30 times. Under such conditions, the rocks soften, and the water escaping from them causes the material to loosen and expand. As a result, rock density decreases, in the case of perlite from 1000-1200 kg / m3to 30-150 kg / m3. The roasted material is stiff and porous at the same time, and has a low thermal conductivity ranging from 0.045 to 0.065 W m-1K“ After the expanding operation described above, perlite and vermiculite are called expanded perlite and expanded vermiculite. Expanded perlite itself is widely used as a homogeneous substrate for growing plants, and as a component of such substrates in combination with peat. Thanks to its high porosity, it provides the right amount of air in the root zone. Substrates with perlite are chemically and biologically inert. They are used in rooting plants and in hydroponic cultivation.

[0055] Due to the package structure that forms after the said treatment and after evaporation of the absorbed and occluded water molecules, perlite and vermiculite, subjected to expansion, acquire sorptive properties and become absorbent materials - sorbents, acquiring a layered sandwich structure, the interlayer space of which has the ability to absorb chemical molecules, such as water or ammonia.

[0056] Sorptive properties of vermiculite and perlite increase with the increase in their degree of fineness. Crushed to particle size in the range of 1 - 200 microns, they demonstrate an absorption level in the range of 300 to 500% by weight.

[0057] Minerals contained in perlite and vermiculite in the oxide form are easily absorbed by plants.

[0058] Expanded perlite and expanded vermiculite are characterized by the ability to receive and release water, low density, fire-resisting properties, ability to exchange cations (ion exchange properties), natural moisture content in the range of 1% - 2%, and high water and ammonia absorption capacity.

[0059] Alginite, on the other hand, is a maceral of the liptinite group. It is a noncrystalline material that is a component of brown and hard coals, formed from marine algae. It has a structure of oval, layered bundles, black in color, showing bright fluorescence. Bituminite is often associated with it. It is a secondary maceral formed from alginite during carbonization, which was formed from the decomposition of algae. It occurs mostly in the form of fine grains. It constitutes a maceral that is rare in humic coals but common in sapropel coals. Alginite is made up of 80% mineral part and 20% organic part. Its structure contains, among others, minerals from green algae - Batriococcus brauni, volcanic minerals, minerals of organic origin. It contains about 64 different elements necessary for plant nutrition. Minerals contained in alginite promote the storage of water, and, through free ionic bonds, store nutrients and make them available to plants, immobilize and physically bind heavy metals found in the soil and pesticides. Their rich mineral composition and the contained organic part in the form of carbon create conditions for the formation in the soil of carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) appropriate for plant development.

[0060] Soil forms the surface layer of the earth's crust, which is the environment for the development and continuity of biological life. The soil consists of the following layers: organic layer, humus layer, alluvial layer and bedrock. The first 3 layers of soil play the greatest role for plant growth. Plant growth depends on the thickness of the different soil layers, especially the organic and humus layers, which vary in thickness from 2 cm to 30 cm, or even more. The soil layer contains mineral salts and water needed for the development of microbial and plant life. Minerals in the form of macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements are taken up from the soil by plants. They are part of food chains, at the end of which humans can also be found.

[0061] Soil is a heterogeneous mixture of various organic and inorganic co pounds, with different particle sizes of minerals, water and gases. This composition of soil is the habitat of many living organisms i.e. plants, viruses, bacteria, algae, microorganisms and animals. The process of soil formation is influenced by the following : climatic conditions, sunshine, intensity of precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, soil permeability, soil aeration, relief - landform and its position in relation to sea level, as well as exposure to light.

[0062] Water in the soil influences the formation of rock material from the bedrock through erosion and further transformation, in the process of which minerals that enrich the upper soil layers are released.

[0063] Fertility of soil layers also depends on the microorganisms living in the soil, which contribute to the release of mineral compounds that are essential for plant growth. Microorganisms influence the circulation of matter in nature and plant growth.

[0064] In recent years, there have been various changes in the natural environment that affect the formation of humus layer, or its destruction. These include: changes in climatic conditions - excessive drought due to lack of precipitation, causes a reduction in the amount of water in soil layers, depletion of humus layers - a reduction in the mineral content of the soil and the microorganisms living in it, intensive fertilization of soil with artificial fertilizers, some of which are leached to groundwater and watercourses and pollute the environment.

[0065] Improperly carried out agrotechnical procedures contribute to the destruction of microorganisms living in the soil, reduce the water content of the soil, which in turn can cause a decrease in the level of groundwater. Also, improper soil cultivation, such as lack of crop rotation, is a cause of overexploitation of the soil.

[0066] Such circumstances are the cause of soil depletion, lack of various minerals and water, i.e. basic components necessary for microbial and mineral balance in the soil, which affects plant growth and ultimately results in lower yield, and exacerbates the degradation of life-giving soil humus.

[0067] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of converting biomass digestate, troublesome organic waste, into a fertilizer that is free of the characteristic odor and whose cost of production is not high, and whose method of production does not require an external costly input, and is characterized by a high concentration of nutrients and their good assimilation without the risk of overfertilization of plants fed with such fertilizer, based on natural components and environmentally friendly. The present invention also aims to manage both solid and liquid digestate.

[0068] In the method of converting biomass digestate into organic-mineral fertilizer according to the invention, a mixture is added to the digestate which contains: - 1% to 99% by weight of crushed natural igneous rock minerals with partici e size of up to 200 microns, selected from a group including: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, syenite, porphyry, diabase, volcanic tuff, and

[0069] -1% to 99% by weight of crushed natural sedimentary rock minerals selected from a group including: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite, with a particle diameter of 1 micron to 1 mm, in an amount between 1% and 30% per dry weight of the digestate, and sulfur in an amount guaranteeing sulfur content in the form of S / -SO3in the fertilizer, in the range of 0.3 - 5% by weight, and / or at least one potassium salt, preferably potassium sulfate, in an amount guaranteeing potassium content in the form of K2O in the fertilizer, in the range of 3.5 - 10% by weight. This mix is added to the digestate and stirred until a homogeneous mass is obtained, which constitutes an organic-mineral fertilizer with a water content of up to 5% by weight, after which the product in the form of a homogeneous mass is subjected to crushing, granulation or pelletization.

[0070] The method according to the invention uses liquid or solid digestate, produced in a biogas plant, or compost, from various organic materials, including, among others, manure, bird droppings, silage, slurry, green substrate, straw, flotsam from dairies, flotsam from slaughterhouses, waste animal tissue and feathers, raw materials and products unsuitable for consumption and processing - food content of animals, pomace, lees and fermentation sludge, stillage from distilleries, waste whey, whey from cheese production.

[0071] The digestate preferably contains organic particles with a diameter of less than 10 mm. When the digestate contains organic particles with a diameter of more than 10 mm, it is initially subjected to crushing.

[0072] In the method according to the invention, mineral raw materials, which are components of the mineral mixture added to the digestate, are obtained in quarries and mining plants, directly from the deposits, possibly using rock forms unsuitable for construction, waste, irregular and shapeless lumps of rock of various sizes, which are waste from mining and processing.

[0073] Mineral raw materials used in the method according to the invention are crushed by known means, using known technical equipment, and the mixing of the biomass digestate with crushed mineral additives and the homogenization of the mix is carried out using known and available technical equipment.

[0074] Grinding of rock material in ball mills.

[0075] Igneous and sedimentary rocks pre-crushed and ground in the crusher for ease of transport are accumulated in silos with a gravity chute, separate for each type of rock. Each silo is connected by a conveyor belt to a container equipped with a weighing scale. The weighed rock material is directed to a ball mill with steel balls for the purpose of grinding, where igneous rocks are crushed to a particle size of 1 - 200 microns, and sedimentary rocks are ground in the mill to a particle size of 1 micron - 1 mm. The exit of the ball mill and sedimentary rock grinding mill is equipped with a screen separator for separating the oversize. After screen ing, the oversize is returned for regrinding in the ball mill or sedimentary rock grinding mill.

[0076] In order to avoid clumping of the milling in the case of sedimentary rock from the ball mill, and to avoid difficulties associated with its transportation, the milling is transferred through a shaking trough with a tunnel conveyor and an installed tunnel dryer at a temperature of up to 1500C to remove excess moisture. Frictional and impact forces interact on the minerals in the ball mill, and as a result of such a phenomenon, a large amount of kinetic energy is produced. Grinding in ball mills is efficient and lasts for a short time. Minerals are processed mechanochemically by colloidal grinding to the nanometer scale, mixed and homogenized. The generated temperature of 150 - 300 degrees Celsius results in sterility of the ground minerals.

[0077] Grinding of rock material in electromagnetic mills.

[0078] Electromagnetic mills are designed for grinding non-flammable and nonexplosive materials - and such are volcanic rock minerals. An electromagnetic mill has a chamber and grinders. The chamber of the mill is motionless. Grinders inside the chamber provide an alternating, rotating magnetic field, created by poles, placed outward symmetrically and radially, every 120 degrees. The rapid movement of ferromagnetic grinders in the space of the working chamber leads to a high collision force of the feed material. The most favorable fraction of the feed should be of the size of up to 5 mm, and have moisture content of up to 6%. Grinding and activation of minerals, and a large increase in the specific surface area of the ground material take place in the mill chamber. Grinders generate heat in the feed under the influence of magnetic induction and mutual collisions, and uniformly bring about the drying process.

[0079] The exciter of the mill is built of modern materials, which makes the electromagnetic mill a highly energy-efficient device, with low noise level which reduces energy costs by 90% compared to grinding with ball mills. It has a short drying time and can operate incorporated in series in a string of mills in a cascade system, occupying a small area.

[0080] The working chamber of the electromagnetic mill generates a rotating magnetic field, with a speed of up to 3,000 revolutions per minute. As a result, the process of grinding, mixing, dispersion and drying occurs in the chamber.

[0081] A number of technological processes are intensified in the electromagnetic mill, where there is a simultaneous complex interaction of a number of alternating physical force fields on the media processed in it. The said fields include: electric, magnetic, acoustic (also in the ultrasound range), thermal, cavitation (in case of phase transformations from liquid to gas phase, due to pressure reduction), high pressure and friction.

[0082] Crushing of rock material can also be carried out in electromagnetic mills. The exit of each electromagnetic mill is equipped with a drum separator, belt conveyors and screw feeders to return the oversize material back to electromagnetic mills for regrinding to achieve the desired particle size range of ground rock material.

[0083] Mixing and homogenization

[0084] Igneous and sedimentary rocks, ultimately ground in magnetic mills, are directed to a mixer, equipped at the top with a dispenser of solids and a dispenser of digestate, for example, of the Werner-Fleiderer type, slow-speed, shovel-type, horizontal with profiled rotating arms, with a rotating jacket with capacity of up to 10 m3.

[0085] A weighed amount of digestate with a known water content is put in the mixer, into which a specified amount of ground igneous rocks and a certain amount of ground sedimentary rocks, and a certain amount of sulfur and / or potassium salts is proportioned by means of mixer proportioners, and the contents of the mixer are mixed, preferably for a period of 10 -15 minutes, until a homogeneous mix is obtained.

[0086] In order to avoid dusting in transport and storage and to simplify the application, the organic-mineral fertilizer produced by the method according to the invention is granulated into granules with a grain size of over 1 mm, or is pelletized. Water is used as a binder in the granulation and pelletization process in an amount of 5%-30% by weight calculated based on the mass of mineral components, which amount depends on the water content of the digestate.

[0087] The fertilizer according to the invention is preferably packaged in watertight individual packaging, for example, in sealed plastic film bags. The proportions of biomass digestate and mineral components used in the method according to the invention are determined in appropriate parts by weight, depending on the fermented substrate, obtained digestate, its form, consistency, water content, and the need to obtain a suitable fertilizer composition adapted for a given crop.

[0088] The content of the mineral composition added to a given biogas plant digestate is selected depending on the dry matter content of the digestate, mineral composition of the digestate, the desired chemical composition and consistency of the fertilizer produced. Individual fertilizer components are determined individually for each biogas plant, depending on the type of digestate to be obtained and the desired final product - the fertilizer. The method according to the invention produces a homogeneous organic and mineral fertilizer, which can be stored in silos protected from moisture.

[0089] The subject of the invention is also an organic-mineral fertilizer, which contains a digestate and a mixture containing:

[0090] - 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of igneous rocks with a particle size of up to 200 microns, selected from a group including: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, diabase, porphyry, syenite, and - 1% to 99 % by weight of fragmented natural minerals of sedimentary rocks with a particle size of up to 1 mm, selected from a group including: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite, dolomite, in the amount of 1% to 30 % per dry matter of digestate, and sulphur, in the amount guaranteeing sulphur content in the form of S / -SO3in the fertilizer in the range of 0.3 - 5% by weight and potassium salt in an amount guaranteeing potassium content in form of K2O in the fertilizer in the range of 3.5 - 10% by weight, and contains water in the amount of 5 -8% by weight.

[0091] The size of organic particles of the digestate contained in the fertilizer according to the invention preferably does not exceed 10 mm.

[0092] The organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention contains: nitrogen in the form of -NO3 / -NH4in the amount of 0.5 - 1% by weight; phosphorus in the form of P2O5in the amount of 3,0 - 8% by weight; potassium in the form of K2O in the amount of 3.5 - 10% by weight; magnesium in the form of MgO in the amount of 9,0 - 12% by weight; calcium in the form of CaO in the amount of 8,0 - 12% by weight; sodium in the form of Na2O in the amount of 2,0 - 3% by weight; sulphur in the form of S / -SO3in the amount of 0.3 - 5% by weight; iron in the form of Fe2O3in the amount of 8.5 - 11% by weight; silica SiO2in the amount of 44 - 50%; Cl in the amount of 0.1 - 0.2%; titanium TiO2in the amount of 0.8 - 1.3%; manganese in the form of Mn2O3oxide in the amount of 0.08 - 0.1%; molybdenum Mo in the amount of 0.1 - 0.15 % by weight; copper Cu in the amount of 0.1 - 0.16 % by weight ; zinc Zn in the amount of 0.1 - 0.15 % by weight; Nickel Ni in the amount of 0.01 - 0.03 % by weight; boron B in the amount of 0.05 - 0.5 % by weight.

[0093] For the effectiveness of the fertilizer according to the invention, it is preferably a powder with a grain size of up to 200 microns. In order to simplify dosing and facilitate the transportation and packaging of the fertilizer according to the invention, it is also preferable that the organic-mineral fertilizer is in the form of pellets with a grain size of more than 10mm, or in the form of granules with a grain size of 1 mm - 8 mm.

[0094] The fertilizer according to the invention may be applied in form of loose powder, granules, or pellets, either to the soil, or as an admixture to the growing medium, or compost in the amount of 500 kg / ha - 1500 kg / ha. The dose of the fertilizer depends on soil depletion - mineral composition of the soil, pH of the soil and the type of crop planned.

[0095] The organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention improves the structure of light soils, sandy soils, heavy soils and clay soils. It comprehensively provides the soil with macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements that are necessary for proper plant growth and development, creates optimal air and water conditions in the soil for the development of beneficial microorganisms and loosens the soil. The composition of minerals of clay fractions of the size of up to 200 microns, contained in the fertilizer according to the invention, makes that the colloidal forms of minerals formed in the soil have different sizes of electric charge, which, combined with the large development of the surface, creates the possibility of binding different sizes of ions. The fertilizer according to the invention demonstrates sorptive properties, regulates and stabilizes the pH of the soil, and thanks to its cation exchange capacity, it can absorb all kinds of impurities and heavy metals. Minerals contained in the fertilizer according to the invention contribute to the formation of specific humus substances in the soil, such as fulvic acids, humic acids and humins.

[0096] The application of the fertilizer according to the invention in crops shortens fruit ripening time, increases crops by at least 15%, strengthens plants against biotic and abiotic stresses and improves plant resistance to drought and frost.

[0097] Components contained in the fertilizer according to the invention and their mutual proportions provide plants with favorable growth conditions, the mineral components are easily absorbed by plants and are non-toxic. The fertilizer contains macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements, and valuable minerals are not easily leached into groundwater, while the soil conditions created by the contents of the fertilizer according to the invention provide plants with long-term nutrition. The fertilizer according to the invention remineralizes the soil and substrate - it forms soil humus and can be combined with organic substrate, and minerals contained in it have the ability to bind ammonia NH3, which, by reducing it, cause an increase of 95% in the ammonia nitrogen content of the soil.

[0098] The fertilizer according to the invention is intended for use for field crops, organic and conventional agriculture, greenhouse crops, vegetable crops, orchard crops - fruit trees and shrubs, ornamental plants and green areas, as well as nurseries producing plants, shrubs and trees.

[0099] Embodiments of the invention Implementation of the method according to the invention.

[0100] The method of processing digestate from biomass into organic and mineral fertilizer, and the organic and mineral fertilizer produced by this method is presented below in embodiments of invention that do not limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0101] For the exemplary processing of biomass digestate by the method according to the invention, different types of digestate were used, with the size of organic particles below 1.0 mm. Digestate containing bigger particles was subjected to shredding.

[0102] Mineral raw materials, which are components of the mix added to the digestate, were obtained from quarries and mining plants, using irregular and shapeless lumps of rock of various sizes, which are a waste from mining production and are unsuitable for construction.

[0103] Igneous rocks, obtained from quarries, and sedimentary rocks were initially crushed and ground to grain size of up to 5 mm in a crusher, and then directed to silos with a gravity chute, separate for each type of rock.

[0104] Rock material from silos was directed to be ground in a ball mill with a capacity of 10 m3, half-filled with steel balls, in which igneous rocks were crushed to particle size of 1 - 200 microns, while sedimentary rocks were crushed to size up to 1.0 mm. The pre-milled oversize was directed to be re-milled in the ball mill.

[0105] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, rock material was ground in electromagnetic mills with a speed of up to 3,000 revolutions per minute, set up individually or in a cascade, depending on the embodiment of the invention. The most preferred fraction of the feed should be up to 5mm in size and have the humidity of up to 6%.

[0106] The ground components of the mineral mix were stored in separate silos securing the content against humidity.

[0107] Components of the mineral mixture were transported from the silos to a planetary mixer with a capacity of up to 12m3. The mixer was equipped with a rotating stirrer and a digestate dispenser built-in in the lid, through which a specified amount of the digestate, with a known water content, was introduced into the mixer. With the stirrer running, mineral components of the mineral mix were fed in batches of approx. 100kg through a powder material dispenser. In the mixer, the finely crushed mineral mix finally came into contact with the pre-weighed batch of the digestate.

[0108] Recirculating screw mixers, or alternatively planetary mixers with a lid, are used for digestate containing over 70-80% by weight of dry matter.

[0109] In the case of liquid digestate containing 5 - 20% by weight of dry matter, it is recommended to use vats, for example, of the capacity of up to 10 m3with a screw rotor, either reciprocating or with a planetary stirrer.

[0110] After the contents of the mixer are homogenized, they are directed to the granulation or pelletization plant. Granulation and pelletization processes use water as a binder or the natural moisture content of the digestate. Ready organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention was put into waterproof plastic bags. Example 1.

[0111] Tables 1, 2 and 3 below show examples of mineral mixes to be used in the method according to the invention.

[0112] Table no. 1.

[0113] Table no. 2.

[0114] Table no. 3.

[0115] Example 2.

[0116] Tables 4, 5 and 6 below show examples of chemical compositions of organic-mineral fertilizers according to the invention, obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0117] Table no. 4.

[0118] Table no. 5. Table no. 6.

[0119] Organic and mineral fertilizers according to the invention, presented in example 2, with chemical content specified in Tables 4, 5 and 6 were assessed for utility and efficiency in Example 3.

[0120] For all embodiments, field and greenhouse experiments were conducted for the cultivation of vegetables, flowers, grass, plants, fruit and ornamental shrubs, as well as for field cultivation of cereals and root crops.

[0121] In the experiments described below, mineral mixes were used, the composition of which was adjusted based on the chemical analyses carried out, to obtain an organic and mineral fertilizer with physical properties and chemical composition according to the invention.

[0122] Example 3.

[0123] Experiment A. Efficiency of fertilizers according to the invention was tested under field conditions on a 200 m2plot, where a cultivation experiment was conducted for 2 growing periods.

[0124] The experiment involved the cultivation of : herbs: - marjoram, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage; root vegetables - yellow carrot, carrots, root parsley, beetroot, celeriac; brassicas - curlykale; bulb vegetables - onion; cucurbit vegetables - zucchini, pumpkin; leafy vegetables - lettuce, arugula, spinach, rhubarb, celery, ornamental flat-leaf parsley; solanaceous vegetables - cherry tomatoes.

[0125] Soil and plant preparation.

[0126] Autumn fertilization was carried out with organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention in the amount of 100 kg / 100 m2area. Deep plowing was performed at a depth ranging from 15 cm to 20 cm. In spring, the soil was raked and rows were prepared for sowing or planting seedlings.

[0127] Vegetable seeds of individual vegetables and onions were coated 2 days before sowing with a seed coating showing antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral activity. The seed coating being a rock mineral composition of volcanic origin including such rocks as basalt, gabbro, melaphyre, diabase, porphyry, granite with particle diameter in the range of 1 - 200 microns, which was applied in powdery form, in an amount of 5 g of the mineral composition per 5 g of seeds.

[0128] The choice of the mineral composition depended on the type of seeds and their needs resulting from setting the pH in the range of 5.5 - 7.5.

[0129] The purpose of seed coating was to get rid of any pests, fungi and viruses that inhabit seeds. Live seeds germinated at a rate of 99%.

[0130] Seed sowing:

[0131] A hole made in the ground at a depth of about 1.5 centimeters and of the length of 8 meters was fertilized with the mineral composition described above, with content similar to that used for seed and onion coating. Composition of minerals of volcanic origin from such rocks as - basalt, gabbro, melaphyre, diabase, porphyry, granite was applied in an amount of approximately 10 - 20 grams per 1 running meter of the hole made. Seeds were sown into the soil prepared in this way, and the planting furrows were covered with soil and watered.

[0132] Onions were handled in the same way.

[0133] Seedlings of vegetables and herbs :

[0134] Before planting the seedlings into the ground, holes, the depth of which depended on the size of the root of the seedling, were dug in rows. 5 g do 20 g of the mineral coating described above in the form of a composition of minerals of volcanic origin including such rocks as basalt, gabbro, melaphyre, diabase, porphyry, granite, with particle size in the range of 1 - 200 microns, in powdery form was poured into each hole, and then seedlings were planted in the holes prepared in this way at intervals depending on the type of vegetable and herb planted and its size during the vegetation period, after which the hole was covered with the remaining soil and the soil around the plant was pressed down.

[0135] During the vegetation period of crops prepared in the above-described manner, an increase in soil pH was observed, from pH value of 6.5 to pH value in the range of 7.0 - 7.5. The soil became more loose and aerated, and the harvested crops turned out to be more resistant to frost and drought.

[0136] The dry matter content of crops was by 15% - 30% higher as compared to the dry matter content of crops fertilized with chemical fertilizers. An increase in the quality of crops was observed, especially with respect to the mineral content, including macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements by at least 50%, an increase in their healthiness and an increase in crop quantity of at least 20%. Better taste, color and aroma of both the above-ground part, as well as the roots of the plants were observed. Vegetables and herbs harvested from the experimental cultivation were resistant to fungal diseases and viruses. The silicon and titanium contained in the organic-mineral fertilizers according to the invention helped the plants defend themselves against biotic and abiotic stress. Herbs for drying were harvested 3 times during the vegetation period. Perennial herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage - resistant to frost) - withstood winter season well. Analysis of the chemical composition of the cultivated plants confirmed favorable content of minerals in vegetables and herbs, which significantly increases their quality. Samples for elemental analysis of crops from cultivations described in Example 3 were taken at the end of the vegetation period - that is, at the turn of September and October. The samples were dried and mineralized in a laboratory to determine the quantitative and qualitative chemical composition of the dry matter.

[0137] Results of the elemental analysis of the chemical composition of the plant material are shown in Table 7.

[0138] Table 7

[0139] Results of the analysis of the chemical composition of plant material [elemental analysis].

[0140] Results of the analysis of the content of titanium Ti and silicon Si in th e dry matter of plants grown with the use of organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention are shown in Table 8.

[0141] Table 8

[0142] Experiment B.

[0143] The organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention was used in the form of powder, granules and / or pellets. In the case of granules and / or pellets, water was the binder. Dosage applied on the experimental plot:

[0144] - powder [1-200 microns] : 700 - 900 kg per 1 ha of rock minerals from volcanic and sedimentary rocks according to the invention, before agrotechnical treatment in autumn - depending on the pH of the soil and soil quality and mineral content in the soil, and 700 - 900 kg of fertilizer per 1 ha, before agrotechnical treatment in spring for spring crops, taking into account the mineral needs of the soil and the needs and requirements for a particular crop.

[0145] - granules and / or pellets of the organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention: 1.5- 3.0 ton per 1 ha - subsoil application before agrotechnical treatment. The possibility of application in autumn and spring before winter crops and spring crops was also analyzed. The dose always depends on the type of soil, mineral needs and requirements of the crops in question.

[0146] Analysis of the results obtained in both of the above-mentioned cases confirms that substrates and soils with the addition of fertilizer in the form of a composition of minerals of volcanic and sedimentary rocks and organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention demonstrate good hydration and improvement of soil structure which became loose, well aerated, had an even pH and contained macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements. Plants growing on substrates and soils that are fertilized with the organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention germinated 5 to 10 days faster than in the case of crops grown on traditional substrate. The plants had a good coloration, were vital, showed even growth, and better rooting compared to plants grown based on traditional fertilization - which is related to a greater range of n utrients supplied to the plant by the soil. It was observed that vegetables and fruits ripened 2 weeks earlier compared to traditional cultivation. Fruits and root vegetables such as beetroots, carrots and parsley were tastier, more aromatic and sweet, and juicier.

[0147] In the case of plants grown from seeds, bulbs and seedling roots coated with a composition of minerals of volcanic rocks and organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention, showed crops higher by an average of 15 - 20% compared to conventional cultivation, while cucurbit and cucumber crops showed yield increase of 40%. The harvested crops were more durable in storage. No fungal infections were observed, and favorable growth of beneficial soil micro and macro organisms, especially earthworms, was observed in soil enriched with the fertilizer according to the invention.

[0148] The applied composition of minerals of volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks and the organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention eliminates the possibility of soil over-fertilization. The structure of the fertilizer according to the invention makes plants take up as many minerals as they need, and the rest remains in the soil, fertilizing it; these conditions further promote the formation of soil humus. An increase in soil pH from pH 5.0 to pH 7.0 - 7.5 was also observed. The harvested crops were more resistant to frost and drought. Silicon and titanium contained in the mineral compositions support the resistance of plants, shrubs and trees to biotic and abiotic stress.

[0149] Mineral mix used in the method according to the invention and contained in the organic and mineral fertilizer composed of:

[0150] - 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of igneous rocks with particle size of up to 200 microns, selected from a group including: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, diabase, porphyry, volcanic tuff and

[0151] - 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of sedimentary rocks selected from a group composed of: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite with particle size ranging from 1 micron to 1 mm, according to the Regulation (EU) 2019 / 1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 falls within the category of mixed fertilizers PFC1( B) ( I ).

[0152] The organic and mineral fertilizer according to the invention is a mix of components of rock minerals and solid and / or liquid digestate, which, taking into account the minimum nutrient content and tolerance, as well as microbiological safety according to Regulation (EU) 1009 / 2019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 5, 2019, classifies it in the PFC1(B)(I) mixed fertilizer category.

[0153] The method according to the invention makes it possible to process biomass digestate, which is a problematic by-product causing environmental harm, into a highly efficient, environmentally friendly fertilizer according to the invention.

Claims

Claims1. The method of processing biomass digestate into an organic and mineral fertilizer which utilizes biomass digestate, characterized in that the biomass digestate is supplemented at a ratio of 1% to 30% by weight, per dry matter of the digestate, with a mineral mix containing:- 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of igneous rocks selected from a group composed of: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, diabase, porphyry, syenite, volcanic tuff with diameter of up to 200 microns, and- 1% to 99 % of crushed natural minerals of sedimentary rocks selected from a group composed of: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite, dolomite, with particle diameter from 1 micron to 1 mm, and sulfur in an amount guaranteeing sulfur content in the range of 0.3 - 5% by weight in the form of S / -SO3 in the fertilizer, constituting the final product, and at least one potassium salt in an amount guaranteeing potassium content in the form of K2O in the range of 3.5 - 10% by weight in the fertilizer, constituting the final product, the mix is added to the digestate and stirred until a homogeneous mass of the organic and mineral fertilizer with a water content of 5 - 8% by weight is obtained, after which the product is subjected to grinding, granulation or pelletization.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that liquid or solid digestate is used.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the size of organic particles of the solid digestate does not exceed 10.0 mm.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that potassium sulfate is used as a potassium salt.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that igneous rock minerals are ground to a powder with grain size in the range of 1 - 200 microns, with at least 80% by weight of these minerals in the fraction up to 60 microns.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the product is granulated into granules with grain size of 1mm - 8mm or pellets with grain size of 0.5mm - 20mm.

7. Organic and mineral fertilizer containing biomass digestate and calcium and / or magnesium salts, characterized in that it contains biomass digestate and an additive in the amount of 1% to 30% by weight per dry matter of digestate, of a mineral composition comprising:- 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of igneous rocks with particle size of up to 200 microns, selected from a group including: expanded perlite, granite, melaphyre, basalt, gabbro, diabase, porphyry, volcanic tuff and- 1% to 99 % by weight of crushed natural minerals of sedimentary rocks selected from a group comprising: expanded vermiculite, alginite, phosphorite, magnesite with particle diameter from 1 micron to 1 mm, and sulphur in an amount that guarantees sulfur content in the form of S / -SO3in the fertilizer, in the range of 0.3 - 5% by weight, and / or potassium sa lts in an amount that guarantees potassium content in the form of K2O in the fertilizer, in the range of 3.5 - 10% by weight, and water in an amount of up to 5 - 8% by weight.

8. Organic and mineral fertilizer according to claim 7 characterized in that it comprises: nitrogen in the form -NO3 / -NH4in the amount of 0.5 — 2% by weight; phosphorus in the form of P2O5in the amount of 3.0 - 8% by weight; potassium in the form of K2O in the amount of 3.5 - 10% by weight; magnesium in the form of MgO in the amount of 9.0 - 12% by weight; calcium in form of CaO in the amount of 8.0 - 12% by weight ; sodium in the form of Na2O in the amount of 2.0 - 3% by weight ; sulfur in the form of S / - SO3in the amount of 0.3 - 5% by weight; iron in the form of Fe2O3in the amount of 8.5 - 11% by weight; silica SiO2in an amount of 44 - 50% by weight ; Cl in the amount of 0.1 - 0.2% by weight; titanium TiO2in an amount of 0.8 - 1.3% by weight, manganese in the form of oxide Mn2O3in the amount of 0.08 - 0.1% by weight, molybdenum Mo in the amount of 0.1 - 0.15% by weight; copper Cu in the amount of 0.1 - 0.16% by weight; zinc Znin the amount of 0.1 - 0.15% by weight; nickel Ni in the amount of 0.01 - 0.03% by weight; boron B in the amount of 0.05 - 0.5% by weight.

9. Fertilizer according to claims 7 and 8 characterized in that it has a powder form with grain size of up to 200 microns.

10. Fertilizer according to claim 7, characterized in that it has a form of granules with a grain size of 0.5 mm - 8 mm.

11. Fertilizer according to claim 7, characterized in that it has the form of pellets with a size of 0.5mm - 20mm.

12. Fertilizer according to claim 7, characterized in that it is used in the form of loose powder, granules or pellets, for soil application or as an admixture to the growing substrate or compost in amounts ranging from 500 kg / ha - 1500 kg / ha, and up to 3000kg / ha in the case of degraded soils.

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