Defatted soybean meal (DSM), a by-product of soybean oil production, has garnered
attention with the rise in US soybean yields, which hit 4.16 billion bushels in 2023 and are
projected to reach 5.30 billion by 2030 (NDSC report, 2023; Statista, 2024). This increase
suggests a growing surplus of DSM, especially in North Dakota, due to the expansion of soybean
crushing plants. Given its limited current uses, there is a pressing need to explore and develop
new applications for DSM. Our Year 1 chemical analysis showed DSM is rich in crude protein,
cellulose, and hemicellulose, making it a promising candidate for anaerobic digestion (AD).
Recent experiments have shown that AD of DSM can produce high biomethane concentrations
(50-70%), particularly under mesophilic conditions (95°F) as opposed to thermophilic conditions
(131°F), highlighting its significant potential for biomethane production and biofertilizer
generation. In light of these findings, the proposed research intends to scale AD trials from
500mL to 2L to better gauge the technology's industrial applicability. Furthermore, conducting a
life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis to evaluate the environmental and
economic impacts of DSM's new application is essential. These analyses will illuminate benefits
of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating cost savings, making this innovative use
of DSM attractive to soybean growers and the industry at large. This project aims not only to
promote sustainable agricultural practices but also to enhance the profitability of soybean
farmers through the inventive utilization of by-products, aligning with NDSC’s strategic goals.

The specific objectives of this proposal include 1) expanding the bioreactor capacity for AD from
500 mL to 2L, incorporating the optimized preprocessing technology identified in the Year 1
study to explore enhanced production of methane and biofertilizer; and 2) evaluating the
potential environmental impacts and economic advantages of new uses for DSM through life
cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis approaches.

a. Feasibility analysis of a larger scale biogas production in AD using DSM as the feedstock.
b. Environmental impact assessment and cost analysis of the DSM new uses.
c. Periodic progress and final reports that are required by NDSC.
d. Peer-reviewed journal articles, and extension reports to detail the project results.
e. Conference presentations at local, regional, and national levels to disseminate the new use.
f. Graduate student thesis.

a. Expanding the large-scale use of DSM produced in ND.
b. Producing renewable biogas and biofertilizer using DSM.
c. Avoiding long-term transportation of DSM to increase the value of soybean products.
d. Increasing net profits of soybean growers by offsetting total energy and fertilizer costs.