Anaerobic digestion of Gliricidia leaves for biogas and organic manure.

Abstract Gliricidia maculata is a tree grown in India for green leaf manuring. The digestibility of Gliricidia leaves for biogas production was determined in 3 litre batch digesters at room temperature (32±3°C). Results indicate a gas yield of 165–180 ml CH4 g−1 VS added and a VS reduction of 37–39%. Determination of the N, P, K content of the digester influent and effluent slurries indicates that the anaerobically digested slurry of the Gliricidia leaves is better in quality than the fresh Gliricidia leaves as organic manure.