Improving aerobic stability and biogas production of maize silage using silage additives. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herrmann, Christiane; Idler, Christine; Heiermann, Monika
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 197(2015)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion -- Methane yield -- Ensiling -- Aerobic deterioration -- Biomass storage; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.08.114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Highlights: Aerobic deterioration remarkably reduces the original methane potential of silage. 17% of the methane potential of maize silage was lost during 7 days air exposure. Air stress during storage reduced aerobic stability and increased methane losses. Additive treatment had little effects on methane yield after anaerobic storage. Additive treatment led to up to 29% higher methane yields after exposure to air. Abstract: The effects of air stress during storage, exposure to air at feed-out, and treatment with silage additives to enhance aerobic stability on methane production from maize silage were investigated at laboratory scale. Up to 17% of the methane potential of maize without additive was lost during seven days exposure to air on feed-out. Air stress during storage reduced aerobic stability and further increased methane losses. A chemical additive containing salts of benzoate and propionate, and inoculants containing heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria were effective to increase aerobic stability and resulted in up to 29% higher methane yields after exposure to air. Exclusion of air to the best possible extent and high aerobic stabilities should be primary objectives when ensiling biogas feedstocks.