Vinasse is one of the byproducts of ethanol and distilled beverage production. Originally a problem for waste disposal, it has now been widely studied as an agricultural input, especially for its use as a source of potassium (K) in soil fertilization.
Vinasse as a source of potassium in agricultural fertilization.
In general, studies converge in recognizing that vinasse has high concentrations of soluble potassium, frequently constituting the mineral nutrient with the highest content in its composition. This fact gives vinasse a high potential for partial or total replacement of traditional mineral fertilizers, such as potassium chloride (KCl), especially in agricultural systems close to ethanol production units, where the logistical cost is viable.
A study conducted with corn under fertigation demonstrated that concentrated vinasse can present technical and economic efficiency comparable to KCl, promoting similar biomass accumulation and productivity when applied in doses equivalent to the crop's demand. Application via irrigation system allowed for greater uniformity in nutrient distribution and better control of the quantities supplied, reducing the risk of localized salt accumulation in the soil. Furthermore, fertigation facilitates the splitting of the dose throughout the crop cycle, which increases potassium absorption efficiency and reduces losses due to leaching.
In another study conducted in the Northwest Region of Rio Grande do Sul, evaluating the black oat/silage corn/second-crop corn succession, the direct application of vinasse to the soil resulted in an increase in exchangeable potassium and maintenance or increase in the productivity of subsequent crops. The work showed that vinasse can adequately supply the potassium requirement throughout succession systems, provided that the doses are calculated based on potassium export by the crops. Positive chemical changes in the soil were also observed, such as an increase in surface organic matter. However, the study reinforces the need for continuous monitoring of electrical conductivity and ionic balance to avoid salinization or nutritional imbalances.
An international review study on the subject highlights that the composition of vinasse varies according to the raw material and the industrial process, and may present high organic load (BOD), acidity, and significant concentrations of salts. Therefore, management strategies such as dilution, controlled fertigation, split application, and pretreatments (concentration, biodigestion, or composting) are recommended to mitigate environmental impacts and improve agronomic efficiency.
Therefore, controlling not only the potassium content in vinasse, but also the amount of dissolved solids and organic matter through dilution, is fundamental for the correct use of this byproduct in soil fertilization.
How can Alutal help in the ethanol production process?
Alutal has laboratory equipment that performs important analyses during the process, such as monitoring the broth and fermentation, as well as the final product (ethanol) and vinasse. Check it out!
pH and conductivity analysis – the PH820 analyzer from Apera Instruments It is suitable for pH, conductivity, and dissolved solids measurements in water, vinasse, and ethanol. The equipment comes with a high-precision Labsen 221 pH sensor for water and vinasse analysis, as well as the high-precision 2401T-F conductivity cell, suitable for measurements in ethanol, water, and vinasse.
Acquiring a sensor Labsen 871 for organic media with the set – or with a dedicated analyzer. PH820 – You add the ability to measure pH in ethanol, covering all applications.
Potassium – the portable analyzer PION400-K The Apera Instruments device comes equipped with a pH sensor and potassium ion-selective electrode (ISE), for a measurement range of 0,1 to 3000 mg/L. Apera also supplies the 1000 mg/L standard and the ionic strength adjustment solution (TISAB) required for analysis.
K/Na ratio To measure the simultaneous concentration of sodium and potassium in vinasse, Krüss offers a unique flame photometer capable of analyzing these two elements plus calcium (Ca) in a simple, precise, and fast way, using equipment from its series. FP8000.
Brix degree – Brix measurement is perhaps the most important for monitoring the performance of the grinding and juice concentration process. Krüss It offers a wide range of refractometers for laboratories, from manual models, portable digital models (with temperature compensation), online models, to the DR7000 series models, with 0,02° Brix accuracy and automatic temperature control.
Pol Degree – In addition to refractometers, Krüss also has several polarimeters in its portfolio., from the manual model to the economical automatic model. P3000...up to the newest model P9000, which represents the current state of the art in saccharimetry.
Contact us Contact Alutal and find out how we can help you with process quality control!
References
CABRAL FILHO, SL et al. Biomass accumulation and technical and economic efficiency of potassium sources applied via fertigation to corn. Agriculture, Basel, vol. 12, no. 4, p. 497, 2022.
MORAN-SALAZAR, RG et al. Utilization of vinasses as soil amendment: consequences and perspectives. SpringerPlus, [Sl], v. 5, no. 1, p. 1007, 2016.
BASSO, CJ et al. Vinasse as a potassium source: response of black oat/silage corn/second-crop corn succession and soil chemical changes in the Northwest Region of Rio Grande do Sul. Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, v. 43, n. 4, p. 596–602, 2013.
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