Effects of biochar from slow pyrolysis of papermill waste on agronomic performance and soil fertility

Abstract

The amendment of two agricultural soils with two biochars derived from the slow pyrolysis of papermill waste was assessed in a glasshouse study. Characterisation of both biochars revealed high surface area (115 m 2 g −1 ) and zones of calcium mineral agglomeration. The biochars differed slightly in their liming values (33% and 29%), and carbon content (50% and 52%). Molar H/C ratios of 0.3 in the biochars suggested aromatic stability. At application rates of 10 t ha −1 in a ferrosol both biochars significantly increased pH, CEC, exchangeable Ca and total C, while in a calcarosol both biochars increased C while biochar 2 also increased exchangeable K. Biochars reduced Al availability (ca. 2 cmol (+) kg −1 to <0.1 cmol (+) kg −1 ) in the ferrosol. The analysis of biomass production revealed a range of responses, due to both biochar characteristics and soil type. Both biochars significantly increased N uptake in wheat grown in fertiliser amended ferrosol. Concomitant increase in biomass production (250% times that of control) therefore suggested improved fertiliser use efficiency. Likewise, biochar amendment significantly increased biomass in soybean and radish in the ferrosol with fertiliser. The calcarosol amended with fertiliser and biochar however gave varied crop responses: Increased soybean biomass, but reduced wheat and radish biomass. No significant effects of biochar were shown in the absence of fertiliser for wheat and soybean, while radish biomass increased significantly. Earthworms showed preference for biochar-amended ferrosol over control soils with no significant difference recorded for the calcarosol. The results from this work demonstrate that the agronomic benefits of papermill biochars have to be verified for different soil types and crops.

Managing Paper and Pulp Industry By-Product Waste Utilizing Sludge as a Bio-Fertilizer

“…The organic carbon content of the soil was determined by dichromate oxidation method [12]. Total N was determined by Kjeldahl method following the procedure [13]. Available P and Ca were determined by flame photometer [14].…”

“…Ca and P were determined by flame photometer (JENWAY PEP7) and heavy metal contents by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) at PCSIR, Lahore, following the standard procedure as described by [14]. Nitrogen was estimated through Kjeldahl method following the procedure described by [13] in PCSIR, Lahore. Magnesium was determined by back titration.…”

A bioszén felhasználásának lehetőségei a talaj tápanyag-utánpótlásában – Szemle

“…Bizonyos esetekben a bioszén pH-emelő hatása már a növények számára kedvezőtlen körülményeket is teremthet (pl. meszes talajon), terméscsökkenést okozhat ( VAN ZWIETEN et al, 2010).…”

The Characteristics of the Biochar with the Synthetic Food Waste and Wood Waste for Soil Contaminated with Heavy Metals

“…이러한 바이오차 관련 연구 중 토양개 량제의 효과를 보기 위한 연구가 많이 수행되었다 (Ro et al, 2010;Zwieten et al, 2010 Bio − gas + loss Yield (%) = 100 Freundlich 등온 흡착식이 본 실험 결과에 잘 적용되는 것은 바이오차와 같이 불균일한 흡착에너지를 갖는 흡착 제에 더 잘 적용이 되기 때문일 것이며 (Ruthven, 1984;Yang, 1987), 중금속 고유의 이온반경이나 확산 이중층의 두께, 반발력 등에 따라 흡착 능력이 다르기 때문인 것으 로 사료된다 (Kim, 1991;Kim, 2002;Youm et al, 2002). …”