Development of biogas and management of the nitrates in Veneto

This study aims to analyze the development of biogas from an agricultural and animal husbandry matrix in the Veneto in order to evaluate its effects in terms of the involvement of animal biomass and production of nitrates. The analysis showed that the use of the digestate, from the process of biogas production, such as fertilizer, reduces the final quantity of nitrogen distributed directly on the ground in comparison with that derived from the traditional use of livestock and agricultural effluents, thereby reducing the possibility of groundwater pollution. The data on the location of the plants and the production of biogas, in connection with those related to the management of livestock manure and the production of nitrates, form a base of information that is useful for designing policies aimed at protecting the areas vulnerable to nitrates in the Veneto region.