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Characterization of Biochar Produced from Various Crop Residues at Low Pyrolysis Temperature

Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Biochar is a carbon rich, highly porous charcoal substance that is differentiated from other charcoals in its intended use as soil amendment. For biochar to be used as soil amendment especially to maximize its benefits appropriate for alkaline calcareous soils of Pakistan, a better knowledge of its properties is necessary. Variation in feedstock affects yield and nutrient composition of biochar so selection of appropriate feedstock and proper characterization is decisive. The present study was conducted to evaluate different biochars produced from three crop residues i.e. wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS) and cotton sticks (CS) through slow pyrolysis at 350°C with 30 min residence time. After production and characterization of biochar, the maximum yield was obtained in case of CSB (48.41%) while highest ash contents were measured in RSB (36.04%). Cation exchange capacity was highest in CSB (111.21 cmol c kg -1 ) while it showed lowest electrical conductivity (1.71dS m -1 ) and pH (7.64) values. Cotton sticks biochar showed higher concentration of Fe (357.73 mg kg -1 ), Mn (161.01 mg kg -1 ) and macro nutrients except K (19.33 g kg -1 ) while Zn (79.53 mg kg -1 ) and Cu (81.70 mg kg -1 ) concentration was maximum in RSB. The minimum value of C:N (35.22), C:P (200.56) and C:S (137.60) elemental ratio was observed in CSB while H:C (0.39) molar ratio was also lowest in it. WSB showed highest molar ratio of O:C (0.42) and O+N:C (0.44) followed by CSB and RSB. The biochar produced from cotton sticks has more favorable physico-chemical properties and elemental/molar ratios that makes it better option to be used in alkaline calcareous soils of Pakistan as compared to two other biochars.
Language: English
Subfield: Fuel Technology
Field: Energy
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2513880992
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