Evaluating the Impact of Digestate on Soil-Water Dynamics and Hydraulic Properties in Agricultural Soils: A Case Study from Emilia-Romagna

This thesis investigates the effects of digestate application on soil salinity, moisture dynamics, and temperature profiles over a monitoring period of 125 days. The research compares two setups: a control without digestate and a digestate-treated setup. Key findings reveal that while digestate enhances moisture retention in deeper soil layers, it also leads to significant salt accumulation near the surface, particularly during periods of no rainfall. Conversely, the control setup exhibits marked salinity increases primarily in the upper 5 cm of soil following rainfall cessation. Overall, the study highlights the need for careful management of digestate application to balance its benefits against potential risks to soil health and agricultural productivity.