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The latest news about Biomass Research
Africa’s biowaste could cut billions in fertiliser imports
Food waste, agro-processing residues, and wastewater sludge together represent a major untapped resource in Africa. The urea-equivalent value of nitrogen contained in these biowaste streams in Africa is estimated to have increased from approximately US$0.9 billion before the Strait of Hormuz blockade to around US$2.2 billion following fertiliser price increases, representing a difference of nearly US$1.3 billion.
At Biomass Research, we support recovering nutrients from biowaste and promoting the use of organic residues as an alternative to imported chemical fertilisers. This can improve soil health, strengthen nutrient security, and support more sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Biomass residue valorisation in the Global south
Countries across the Global South generate large amounts of biowaste, much of which remains unutilized. At the same time, many economies continue to rely heavily on fossil energy (oil, gas, coal), while large numbers of poor households depend on biomass (wood, charcoal) for cooking and heating leading to health risks and environmental degradation.
Given the huge availability and application potential of underutilised biowaste, there is a clear need to develop value chains that convert these streams into energy while recycling nutrients to improve soil health and food production. This topic will be a central focus of a side event at the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2026, taking place in the Netherlands on May 22, 2026.
Biomass Research is proud to be part of the organising team for this session. The event will showcase state-of-the-art research and innovative practices in biowaste valorisation across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It includes expert presentations along with a panel discussion between key stakeholders (research, industry, policy).
Interested in learning more or joining the discussion? View the full programme and register via the official event page: https://www.eubce.com/biomass-residue-valorization-in-the-global-south-pe-2026/
Organic Bioslurry Boosts Farm Productivity
A story published by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) highlights the experience of farmer Kateera Muhanguzi from Uganda, whose banana plantation has become a model of innovation. By using bioslurry, a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, he has significantly increased his yields while strengthening his crops against extreme weather. The benefits became especially clear after a destructive hailstorm hit his community. While many farmers lost their crops and income, Muhanguzi’s farm remained productive.
“Because we were using bioslurry, we had some bananas left in the plantation. And even some beans. I did not lose much since I picked the bananas early and ripened them for wine making,” Kateera explains.
Organic bioslurry has enabled him to harvest larger and heavier banana bunches while also improving crop resilience to extreme weather. Also, he has created more value by processing bananas into wine, generating significantly higher income compared to selling raw produce. You can read the full story here : https://english.rvo.nl/news/how-organic-bioslurry-fertiliser-doubled-yields-uganda
This story is part of the African Biodigester Component (ABC) programme, which supports sustainable agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. Biomass Research is proud to be part of the ABC programme through the Organic Fertiliser Valorisation Implementer project. We have seen similar stories and documented multiple testimonials from bioslurry users across the region. You can explore more testimonials here: https://www.ofvi-abc.nl/testimonials
Featured Publications Now Available
We are pleased to highlight our Featured Publications page, where you can explore some of our most widely accessed research outputs and project reports.
One of the key publications, the RESFARM Report: Database Structure (Biomass Research), has now been downloaded more than 5,000 times. This report presents the development of a database structure and data entry system designed to collect and analyse farm data across the project area. To support efficient field data collection, a mobile data entry module was also developed to enable fast and accurate collection of farmer responses in different regions. Another widely accessed publication, “Note on Indirect Land Use Effect,” has been downloaded more than 4,800 times. This note, prepared at the request of the Commission on Sustainability Issues of Biomass (CDB), addresses key aspects of sustainable biomass production, particularly in the context of bioenergy and biofuels.
We invite you to visit our Featured Publications page to explore these and other widely used resources. This page will be continuously updated with new publications and growing download statistics as our work expands. We welcome any suggestions, feedback, and collaboration — please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why Fertiliser Choices Matter
Fertilisers have both short- and long-term impacts on soil and crop performance. In the short term, they provide an immediate release of nutrients, supporting rapid crop growth within a single season. Over the long term, their effects extend beyond nutrient supply. They can influence soil acidity, physical structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient buffering, and soil life (soil macrofauna, fungi, and bacteria). Chemical fertilisers quickly deliver nutrients that can boost yield in the short run. However, prolonged use may lower soil acidity, reduce microbial diversity, and negatively affect beneficial organisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). As a result, relying exclusively on chemical inputs can gradually degrade overall soil health. In contrast, organic fertilisers such as compost, farmyard manure (FYM), and bioslurry support soil health. They improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, water holding capacity, and promote beneficial microbial activity. As organic matter mineralises, it gradually releases essential nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity over time that build healthier soils.
Discover more in our factsheet : Impacts of different organic fertilisers
At Biomass Research, we combine research and data analysis to evaluate fertiliser strategies and their impacts on soil health and crop productivity. We have expertise in designing and implementing experimental plans to test these strategies in practice. We also provide guidance on using rapid, field-based soil tests to assess nutrient levels. We welcome collaboration with organizations and researchers who are working on sustainable agricultural practices. You can find our contact details here: Contact details
Used cooking oil as a key feedstock for biodiesel
Hans Langeveld from Biomass Research recently gave an interview to nu.nl on the use of used frying oil in the production of biodiesel. Biodiesel made from used cooking oil is a clean fuel that reduces emissions, does not compete with food production, and is widely available as a waste stream from restaurants and households.
The Netherlands apply an annual renewable energy obligation, requiring fuel suppliers to ensure that a share of the final fuels is made from renewable feedstocks. This share was 19% in 2023, 28% in 2024, and 29% in 2025. For diesel, this typically means around 10–14% of biofuel is blended on average. The exact percentage varies by supplier and the type of feedstock that is used.
The impact of fertilisers on crop and soil
Fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity as they provide essential plant nutrients and improve soil properties. They have both short-term and long-term effects on soil, plant, and ecosystems. Chemical fertilizers provide quick nutrient release, supporting rapid crop development within a single season. However, long-term use can lower soil pH, reduce beneficial microbes, and harm fungi that are vital for nutrient uptake, ultimately degrading soil health. While organic fertilizers like compost, farmyard manure (FYM), bioslurry and Bioslurry Enriched Compost (BEC) improve soil structure and increase organic matter. Compost is especially beneficial, retaining up to 50% of its organic matter as stable humus that supports healthy soil ecosystems over the long term. These organic inputs benefit microbial diversity and enhance organic matter, nutrient availablity, water retention and crop yield. Bioslurry and BEC offer the best balance, delivering both short-term nutrient supply and long-term soil benefits.
Want to learn more? Read the full factsheet here : Impacts of different organic fertilisers
At Biomass Research, we combine literature research with data-driven approaches to assess the impacts of different fertilization strategies on crop production and soil health. We have expertise in designing and implementing experimental plans to test these strategies in practice. We also provide guidance on data analysis and interpretation, translating results into clear conclusions and practical outputs. Get in touch with us to explore how we can collaborate with projects and research in this field. You can find our contact details here: Contact details
Turning bioslurry into a scalable organic fertilizer
Afrisol, based in Kenya, has improved the usability of bioslurry (digestate) and developed innovative Bioslurry Enriched Compost (BEC) production processes. While bioslurry is highly effective in promoting plant growth, its bulky nature has limited wider adoption among farmers. Following training through the OFVI-ABC program, Afrisol began incorporating bioslurry into compost. The company further enriched the compost with organic rock minerals and biochar to enhance nutrient retention, soil stability, and overall fertility. To improve acceptability and adoption, the company granulated the Bioslurry Enriched Compost, giving it a texture and appearance similar to conventional fertilizers familiar to farmers. Afrisol now markets this upgraded, pelletized BEC, which has received positive feedback from users. We are proud to be part of OFVI, which has delivered positive impacts in the field. You can find more testimonials on bioslurry and BEC at the following link : https://www.ofvi-abc.nl/testimonials
Bioslurry for improved soils and yields in West Africa
Bioslurry and Bioslurry Enriched Compost (BEC) significantly improve soil texture, enhance water retention, and reduce soil erosion. The continuous application of bioslurry and BEC increases soil organic matter over time. This enables farmers to reduce application rates over time. Modelled results indicate that long-term use of these organic fertilisers can reduce soil erosion by up to 50% in tomato cropping systems in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger (as shown in the figure below). Additional benefits reported by farmers include longer crop shelf life and shorter cropping cycles. More information is available in our publication Bioslurry for improved soils and yields in West Africa.
Bioslurry for improved soils and yields in East Africa
The continuous application of bioslurry and Bioslurry Enriched Compost (BEC) steadily increases soil organic matter over time. The figure below illustrates this trend for maize cropping systems in Kenya and Uganda. As the organic matter mineralises, it gradually releases essential nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. Over time, farmers can reduce the amounts of bioslurry and BEC applied, making nutrient management more cost-effective and sustainable.
This buildup not only enhances soil fertility but also reduces soil erosion and nutrient losses. Modelled results indicate that long-term use of these organic fertilisers can reduce soil erosion by 52% in Kenya and 34% in Uganda in maize cropping systems (as shown in the figure below). This erosion reduction helps preserve valuable nitrogen in the soil, equivalent to 12–13% of the annual nitrogen requirements for maize. More information is available in our publication Bioslurry for improved soils and yields in East Africa.
Biodigesters’ Biggest Payoff? Improved Health
Smallholder biodigesters deliver a wide range of benefits. Studies show benefits extend well beyond fuel savings, including agricultural improvements, time savings, and health benefits. A recent literature review by Biomass Research shows there are huge differences in the way benefits of biodigesters are quantified. No single benefit dominates across all studies, most studies focusing on only a limited number of effects.
Health benefits have long been overlooked. Anyone entering a traditional cooking hut sees the reality: tar-covered walls and heavy smoke from firewood or charcoal. The health impacts especially for women and young children are severe, yet rarely quantified. Only a few studies put a monetary value on health gains, and when they do, health emerges as one of the largest benefits.
Two South African studies (Smith, 2012; and Tolessa et al., 2022) suggest that improved health can make up to 80 % of the benefits of biodigesters. Kenyan studies focus mostly on fuel cost savings, as shown by Fisher (2024), while health improvement estimates for Kenya by Hamid and Blanchard (2018) accounts for only 30% of total benefits.
In Ethiopia, research by Clemens et al. (2018) and Gedaffa et al. (2023) highlights savings in household fuel costs, yield improvement and other agricultural benefits as key gains. One study from Poland (Kusz et al., 2024) points to a different model altogether, with income from the sale of certificates contributing almost 40% of total benefits.
While evidence so far is limited, the message seems to be clear : in many cases, health is the ultimate benefit of a smallholder biodigester investment.
Success of Clean Shipping project
We are pleased to share that a key researcher within the Clean Shipping project has successfully completed a PhD focused on design of sustainable and inclusive value chains for marine biofuels. This work, carried out at TU Delft and funded by NWO, provides important insights into how bio-based feedstocks and regional biohubs can contribute to cleaner, renewable marine fuels. The project brings together partners from industry, research, and civil society to design responsible and sustainable marine biofuels. We are proud to be part of this project consortium and to have contributed to the research that supports more sustainable maritime solutions. Read more about the project here : https://www.cleanshipping.nl/
Biodigesters testimonials
Biodigester technology is transforming lives in Sub-Saharan Africa. It improves access to energy, stimulates soil health, and boosts rural livelihoods in countries like Uganda, Kenya, Niger and Mali. Farmers have shared inspiring stories about how bioslurry and bioslurry-enriched compost have transformed their lives. They report greener coffee farms, stronger harvests, cleaner kitchens, and reduced input costs. Many also share how bioslurry has replaced chemical fertilizers, improved soil quality, and strengthened their roles within their communities.
Read their testimonials here: https://www.ofvi-abc.nl/testimonials.
Positive impacts of biodigesters
Biodigester technology is transforming lives in developing countries. It improves access to energy, stimulates soil health, and boosts rural livelihoods in many countries around the world. Key impacts include: renewable energy access through biogas for cooking, lighting, and productive uses; fertiliser (bioslurry) production that improves yields, soil health, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
Other major advantages are time savings for women and children – no (less) need for fuelwood collection, health benefits from reduced indoor air pollution, avoided deforestation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (2–8 tons CO₂ equivalent per 6 m³ biodigester/year). Additional economic gains often are realised from savings on energy and fertilisers plus income generation from boslurry or compost production. In some cases, carbon credits provide an additional source of income. At the regional and national levels, jobs are created through training and employment for masons and biodigester enterprises.
Read more in a report written by SNV in the Organic Fertilizer Valorization Implementer (OFVI) project: http://www.ofvi-abc.nl/reports.
Quick tests for bioslurry analysis in Mali
We have handed a set of nutrient quick tests to Moussa, a biodigester owner in Mali, as part of our ongoing research into the composition of bioslurry. Moussa will use the tests to measure key parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH in the bioslurry produced by his system. These indicators are vital for assessing the agronomic value of bioslurry when used as a fertilizer in smallholder farming systems.
If you have data on the composition of bioslurry, compost, or bioslurry-enriched compost, we invite you to contribute to this effort by filling out the survey here : Survey Link
Stay tuned for updates on the Biomass Research website : https://biomassresearch.eu/news/
Biodigester feeding : Survey update on dilution ratio
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a vital renewable energy source that converts organic waste into biogas through natural microbial processes. This sustainable technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage waste efficiently, and produce clean energy for electricity, heating, and transportation. AD is used globally in agriculture, industry, and municipalities, supporting circular economies and energy security. AD is widely adopted across agriculture, industry, and municipal sectors, supporting both circular economies and energy security. Its global use is steadily increasing as a reliable and scalable sustainable energy solution.
Proper feedstock management is essential for the effective functioning of the biodigesters. The performance, stability, and gas yield of a biodigester are highly dependent on what goes into it and how it’s managed. Factors such as the type of organic material, its dilution ratio, and feeding frequency all impact the microbial processes inside the digester.
To better understand current feeding and operational practices, we are developing an inventory of biodigester feeding and management through a dedicated survey. Initial results have revealed something quite unexpected: while most scientific literature recommends a standard 1:1 feedstock-to-water dilution ratio, our survey indicates that a majority of users are actually using a 1:2 ratio. This opens up new avenues for research and practical optimization in this field.
We are continuing to gather more data and invite you to contribute by filling out the survey at the link below. Your input is valuable in shaping a clearer understanding of real-world biodigester practices.
More results will be presented in the future. Stay tuned for updates on the Biomass Research website : https://biomassresearch.eu/news/
Biomass Research joins TU Delft project to develop circular biowaste loop
A new TU Delft-led consortium, ABEL (Ab-initio Biowaste Loop), has received €6.7 million from the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) to develop innovative technologies that convert low-grade organic waste into durable, sustainable materials that can be easily recycled at the end of their life. The project aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and strengthen the Dutch bioeconomy. Biomass Research is proud to be part of this project, where it will contribute to the inventory of relevant data sources, spatial mapping of biomass availability, and characterization of residual biomass streams.
Biodigester feeding : Preliminary survey results
The initial results from our ongoing survey show that all biodigester owners use manure, with cow manure being the primary feedstock. The second major feedstock is pig manure.
We invite you to fill the survey in the link : Survey link
More results will be presented in the future. We will share updates on the Biomass Research website : https://biomassresearch.eu/news/
Quick tests help to determine nutrient concentrations
While markets for bioslurry (digestate) and compost made with bioslurry (Bioslurry Enriched Compost or BEC) are developing, there is an urgent need to obtain accurate information on the amount of nutrients that they contain. Biomass Research is leading the search for tests that are reliable, transparent, affordable, and easy to use. A recent evaluation of a quick test kit in Niger by Moussa Fofana (of DIBcoop) in the Organic Fertilizer Valorization Implementer (OFVI-ABC) project revealed promising results for both bioslurry and enriched BEC. The test focused on two essential nutrients – nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), two key nutrients for crop growth.
Key Findings:
BEC: The compost tested showed sufficient phosphorus and adequate nitrogen levels.
Bio-Slurry: Results indicated sufficient phosphorus, while nitrogen ranged between adequate and sufficient.
These results highlight the value of bioslurry and BEC as effective organic soil amendments. Their nutrient content supports healthy crop production and offers a practical alternative to chemical fertilizers, contributing to healthier farming systems.
Biomass Research Joins Dutch Trade Mission to Kenya
From March 17 to 20, Hans Langeveld, joined the Dutch trade mission to Kenya, fostering collaborations in sustainable agriculture and bio-based solutions.
Biomass Research has a huge track record in organic waste valorization, generating clean energy, producing cost-effective organic fertilizers, and improving soil health. During the mission, Hans engaged with key local stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for Kenya’s agricultural and bioenergy sector residue streams.
Kenya presents promising opportunities for collaboration. Biomass Research looks forward to sharing knowledge and developing projects that support environmental and economic resilience. Stay tuned for updates! https://www.rvo.nl/evenementen/economische-missie-kenia
Bioslurry Boosts Coffee Yields and Cuts Costs for Ugandan Farmers
Smallholder farmers in rural Uganda are experiencing significant benefits from using bio-slurry, an organic fertilizer derived as a by-product of biodigesters. Through the African Biodigester Component (ABC) program, these farmers are gaining valuable knowledge on the effective application of bio-slurry, which is enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yields through sustainable agricultural practices. Biomass Research is leading the Organic Fertiliser Valorisation Implementer (OFVI) project that is collecting and evaluating impacts of bio- slurry and compost on crop yields and soil health. https://www.ofvi-abc.nl/
One coffee farmer shared his success story, stating, “Using bioslurry as an organic fertilizer rejuvenated my coffee plantation and helped me cut my input costs by 50 percent.” This remarkable cost reduction allows farmers to reinvest savings into other aspects of their farms, contributing to overall agricultural sustainability and economic stability.
With the growing awareness of bio-slurry’s advantages, Ugandan farmers are increasingly embracing this organic fertilizer as a key component in their farming practices, ensuring healthier crops and a more sustainable future. https://x.com/SNVinUganda/status/1880293291788497011?t=dUNHf-JXhAQdKf_0ehRqXQ&s=03
21/05/2024 Presentation on evaluating and improving circular bioeconomies in cities and regions
European cities can become circular bioeconomy hubs, in which sustainable bio-based produced are made from biowaste. However, few cities and regions have bio-based economy strategies and projects. The HOOP project aims to further innovation in the sector by working with eight lighthouse cities and regions to implement circular processes. The projects supports cities and regions by addressing legal, financial, and technical barriers and works to unlock investments in biowaste and wastewater valorisation technologies.
In this webinar series experts from the HOOP project share learnings and best practices to help make urban circular bioeconomy projects a reality.
In this presentation, Research4Life showed research results : an inventory of biowaste and Urban Waste Sludge (UWWS) streams in eight cities and regions, from collection, to treatment, and to post-treatment utilization. The outcome of the research allows cities to evaluate current waste management and to find solutions for novel circular processes from there. Find out more about Research4Life’s outputs for the HOOP project : https://biomassresearch.eu/hoop/ and find the presentation slides on our publications page.
Biomass plays a role in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy in The Netherlands
The article, written by Sasja Hooijschuur and published in a recent issue of the Dutch journal Vakblad Energie en Duurzaamheid, examines the role of biomass in the Dutch energy mix, its primary sources, and future durability.
Biomass represents 40% of the Dutch final renewable energy consumption and is sourced primarily from waste streams. Sustainability of biomass use depends on its use as renewable energy remaining secondary to its use for primary uses (food and construction, among others), on recuperation of CO2 during combustion, and sustainability of biomass sourcing. Biomass demand will increase in the Netherlands, and is currently and predicted in the future to be a major portion of the renewable energy mix, due to affordability and versatile uses. Data in this article were sourced from the 2022 PBE report, published by Biomass Research, downloadable here: https://biomassresearch.eu/publications/
Figure sourced from the 2023 PBE report
United-States corn ethanol paper downloaded 1000 times
The 2021 Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) paper on United-States use of corn for ethanol has been downloaded from the Biomass Research website more than 1000 times! The authors examine causal interactions among corn market variables. The paper questions the causal relationship between increased US biofuel production from corn and rising corn and food prices globally which had been hypothesized in previous studies, showing that no causality was found. The paper concludes that linking U.S. corn ethanol production to large reductions in corn availability and exports, and higher global corn prices requires further research.
BIOMOB conference 2024: Debunking old biofuel issues
Recent targets for biokerosine (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) have sparked the discussion on the sustainability of biofuels. In a recent presentation, Hans Langeveld (director of Biomass Research) debunked two central issues : the food VS fuels, and indirect land use change (ILUC). Hans used UN statistics on hunger and food trade to demonstrate increased U.S. ethanol fuel production did not cause malnutrition or deforestation.
View the presentation on our publications page !