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Purpose <p>Sustainability in agriculture requires alternatives that reduce the use of mineral fertilizers, which consume scarce natural resources and entail high energy costs. In this context, this study evaluated the agronomic potential of liquid digestates (LDs) derived from the anaerobic co-digestion of malting effluent, with or without the addition of <i>Spirulina maxima</i> biomass, in barley cultivation.</p> Methods <p>Seed germination and vigor tests were conducted, along with a pot experiment under controlled conditions to assess the early growth of seedlings.</p> Results <p>The addition of microalgal biomass during anaerobic co-digestion resulted in LDs with higher estimated contents of auxin-related compounds, expressed as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) equivalent (3.73 ± 0.09&#xa0;µg/mL) and positively influenced seed vigor. Seeds treated with LD3 at concentrations of 2 and 4&#xa0;L/100&#xa0;kg exhibited the highest vigor indexes suggesting enhanced resistance to abiotic stress and improved early development. The combination of mineral fertilizers with LDs increased seedling height, stem diameter, and dry biomass. The morphological analysis of roots revealed that seed treatment with LDs (particularly at 4&#xa0;L/100&#xa0;kg) resulted in significant improvements in root length, surface area, number of tips, bifurcations, and fine roots, all of which are key for water and nutrient uptake.</p> Conclusion <p>Overall, the results indicate that the use of LDs, especially via seed treatment, supports the initial development of barley and represents a promising strategy for reducing reliance on mineral inputs, thereby promoting more efficient and sustainable agriculture.</p> Novelty Statement <p>This work presents, for the first time, the evaluation of liquid digestates (LDs) derived from the anaerobic co-digestion of malting effluents with and without Spirulina maxima biomass for seed treatment and initial growth of barley. The findings demonstrate that LDs enriched with microalgal biomass exhibit higher estimated of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which positively influence seed vigor and root morphological traits. The results highlight the potential of applying LDs as a sustainable agricultural practice capable of reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers, thus integrating the valorization of industrial waste and circular economy strategies.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Effects of Liquid Digestates from Malting Effluent, with or Without Microalgal Biomass, on Seed Treatment and Early Growth of Barley

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月4日

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  • Aline Rubert,
  • Chanele Kaminski,
  • Jeferson Steffanello Piccin,
  • Jorge Alberto Vieira Costa,
  • Marcelo Hemkemeier,
  • Luciane Maria Colla

摘要

Purpose

Sustainability in agriculture requires alternatives that reduce the use of mineral fertilizers, which consume scarce natural resources and entail high energy costs. In this context, this study evaluated the agronomic potential of liquid digestates (LDs) derived from the anaerobic co-digestion of malting effluent, with or without the addition of Spirulina maxima biomass, in barley cultivation.

Methods

Seed germination and vigor tests were conducted, along with a pot experiment under controlled conditions to assess the early growth of seedlings.

Results

The addition of microalgal biomass during anaerobic co-digestion resulted in LDs with higher estimated contents of auxin-related compounds, expressed as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) equivalent (3.73 ± 0.09 µg/mL) and positively influenced seed vigor. Seeds treated with LD3 at concentrations of 2 and 4 L/100 kg exhibited the highest vigor indexes suggesting enhanced resistance to abiotic stress and improved early development. The combination of mineral fertilizers with LDs increased seedling height, stem diameter, and dry biomass. The morphological analysis of roots revealed that seed treatment with LDs (particularly at 4 L/100 kg) resulted in significant improvements in root length, surface area, number of tips, bifurcations, and fine roots, all of which are key for water and nutrient uptake.

Conclusion

Overall, the results indicate that the use of LDs, especially via seed treatment, supports the initial development of barley and represents a promising strategy for reducing reliance on mineral inputs, thereby promoting more efficient and sustainable agriculture.

Novelty Statement

This work presents, for the first time, the evaluation of liquid digestates (LDs) derived from the anaerobic co-digestion of malting effluents with and without Spirulina maxima biomass for seed treatment and initial growth of barley. The findings demonstrate that LDs enriched with microalgal biomass exhibit higher estimated of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which positively influence seed vigor and root morphological traits. The results highlight the potential of applying LDs as a sustainable agricultural practice capable of reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers, thus integrating the valorization of industrial waste and circular economy strategies.

Graphical abstract