The Effect of Adding Corn Silage at Different Ratios to Orange and Tangerine Wastes on Biogas Production Efficiency

In this study, biogas production efficiencies of mixtures obtained by adding corn silage (CS) to citrus industrial wastes at different ratios were determined. Orange (OJPW) and tangerine processing juice wastes (TJPW) (crusts and shells) were selected as materials in the study. 25%, 50%, 75% of CS was added to these selected wastes. Changes in the obtained mixture chemical properties (dry matter, dry organic matter, crude ash, crude protein, crude oil, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF)), biogas production and methane content in the biogas were investigated. The results of the study showed that the highest crude protein content was found in 100% TJPW (10%), raw fat percentage in 100% TJPW (5.14%), dry matter content in 100% CS (93.56%), ADF in 100% CS (22.74%) and the NDF in a mixture of 25% OJPW + 75% CS (45.08%). The highest methane production was determined for a mixture of 100% TJPW and 50% TJPW + 50% OJPW (0.46 m3 kg-1 ODM). Also the highest biogas production was determined in a mixture of 50% OJPW + 50% TJPW (0.90 m3 kg-1 ODM). The mixing of CS in TJPW and OJPW reduced significantly the production of methane and biogas in the mixture. As a result of the statistical analysis, significant differences (P≤0.05) were found in both methane and biogas production of agricultural wastes.