Different mixtures were digested in a single-stage, batch, mixed, laboratory scale mesophilic anaerobic
digester at the Biomass Research Centre Laboratory (University of Perugia). The yield and the composition
of biogas from the different substrates were evaluated and the cumulative curves were estimated. Two
experimental campaigns were carried out, the first on three mixtures (chicken, pig and bovine manures),
the second on animal and vegetal biomasses (chicken and cow manure, olive husk) with different inocula
(rumen fluid and digested sludge). In the first campaign pig manure mixture showed the maximum biogas
production (0.35 Nm3/kg) and energy content (1.35 kWh/kg VS); in the second one the differences in
produced biogas from the different inocula were analyzed: olive husk with piggery manure anaerobically
digested as inoculum showed the higher biogas (0.28 Nm3/kg VS) and methane yield (0.11 Nm3/kg VS),
corresponding to an energetic content of 1.07 kWh/kg VS. All data obtained from the laboratory scale
anaerobic digester are comparable to the values in literature for several biomass and in particular for
olive husk, dairy manure and chicken manure.