Benjamin Blumenstein

Mr. Benjamin Blumenstein


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

13Years (2014-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 August 2015 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BBBenjamin Blumenstein
Benjamin Blumenstein
TSTorsten Siegmeier
Torsten Siegmeier
CBCarsten Bruckhaus
Carsten Bruckhaus
VAVictor Anspach
Victor Anspach
DMDetlev Moeller
Detlev Moeller
Rising global energy needs and limited fossil fuel reserves have led to increased use of renewable energies. In Germany, this has entailed massive exploitation of agricultural biomass for biogas generation, associated with unsustainable farming practices. Organic agriculture not only reduces negative environmental impacts, organic farmers were also prime movers in anaerobic digestion (AD) in Germany. This study’s aim was to identify the structure, development, and characteristics of biogas production associated with organic farming systems in order to estimate further development, as well as energetic and associated agronomic potentials. Surveys were conducted among organic farms with AD technology. 144 biogas plants could be included in the analysis. Total installed electrical capacity was 30.8 MWel, accounting for only 0.8% of the total installed electrical capacity in the German biogas sector. Recently, larger plant types (>250 kWel) with increased use of (also purchased) energy crops have emerged. Farmers noticed increases in yields (22% on average) and quality of cash crops in arable farming through integrated biogas production. In conclusion, although the share of AD in organic farming is relatively small it can provide various complementary socio-ecological benefits such as the enhancement of food output through digestate fertilization without additional need for land, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock manures and soils. However, to achieve this eco-functional intensification, AD systems and their management have to be well adapted to farm size and production focus and based primarily on residue biomass.

11 October 2014 in Organic Agriculture
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
TSTorsten Siegmeier
Torsten Siegmeier
BBBenjamin Blumenstein
Benjamin Blumenstein
DMDetlev Moeller
Detlev Moeller