Bioenergy from Maize Silage by Anaerobic Digestion: Batch Kinetics in Relation to Biochemical Composition

Maize silage can play a key role in policies aimed at stabilising local energy systems, as it constitutes a critical renewable feedstock for European biogas plants. By providing a dense and predictable source of chemical energy, it supports balance and reliability in the agricultural energy sector. To convert this potential into stable energy production, operators require kinetic models that translate routine silage quality indicators into concrete guidance for digester operation and control. Therefore, the aim of this article was to evaluate the batch kinetics of anaerobic digestion (AD) of maize silage and to select an adequate model for describing biochemical methane potential (BMP) profiles and associated energy recovery in the context of start-up, organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and feedstock preparation. Ten batches of silage (A–J) were examined, covering a realistic range of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dry and volatile solids, ash, protein–fat–fibre fractions, fibre composition (NDF, ADF and ADL), derived fractions (hemicellulose, cellulose, and residual organic matter (OM)), C/N ratio and macro-/micronutrient profiles, including trace elements relevant to methanogenesis (Ni, Co, Mo, and Se). BMP tests were carried out in batch mode, and the resulting curves were fitted using the modified Gompertz and a first-order kinetic model. Methane yields of approx. 100–120 m3 CH4/Mg fresh matter (FM) and 336–402 m3 CH4/Mg volatile solids (VS), with CH4 contents of 52–57% v/v, were typical for energy-grade maize silage. Kinetic and energetic behaviours were governed mainly by residual OM and hemicellulose (shortening the lag phase and increasing the maximum methane production rate), the ADL/cellulose ratio (controlling the slower hydrolytic tail), EC and Na/Cl/S (extending the lag phase), and C/N together with Ni/Co/Mo/Se (stabilising methanogenesis). The modified Gompertz model reproduced BMP curves with a pronounced lag phase and asymmetry more accurately (lower error and better information criterion values), and its parameters directly support start-up design, OLR ramp-up and energetic performance optimisation in bioenergy reactors. The novelty of this work lies in combining batch BMP tests, comparative kinetic modelling and detailed silage characterisation to establish quantitative links between kinetic parameters and routine maize silage quality indicators that are directly relevant for biogas plant operation and renewable energy production.