Analysis of Methane Efficiency of Sugar Beets Used as Co-substrate in Biogas Production

Although the methane fermentation process has been known for a long time, the use of new agricultural substrates can increases the efficiency of agricultural biogas plants. Therefore, new mono-substrates and co-substrates are still being sought for increasing biogas potential. The use of beet mixed with other substrates can accelerate the fermentation process and improve the quality of biogas produced. The aim of the study was analysis of methane efficiency of sugar beets used as co-substrate in biogas production. Sugar beet mixtures with maize silage and wheat straw were studied. Sugar beet was added in various proportions, and their share was between 10 and 50%. The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Ecotechnologies, in Institute of Biosystems Engineering. To test the biogas efficiency the batch culture method has been used and the process took place in mesophilic conditions. The experiment was carried out in accordance with the German standard DIN 38414-S8. The results have shown that the use of sugar beet as a co-substrate in the production of biogas with other substrates has a positive effect on the methane yield.