Stochastic state‐space temperature regulation of biochar production. Part II: Application to manure processing via pyrolysis

Cantrell, Keri B.; Martin, Jerry H.

doi:10.1002/jsfa.4617

Cited by 34 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Furthermore, diff erences have been noted in the chemistries of various biochars, despite the similarity in production conditions (DeGroot et al, 1991;Bustin and Guo, 1999). Recent advancements in pyrolysis conversions, particularly the process controls, have reduced this variability (Cantrell and Martin, 2011).…”

Section: Biochar Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biochar: A Synthesis of Its Agronomic Impact beyond Carbon Sequestration

Spokas

Cantrell²,

Novak³

et al. 2012

J. Environ. Qual.

843

507

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Biochar has been heralded as an amendment to revitalize degraded soils, improve soil carbon sequestration, increase agronomic productivity, and enter into future carbon trading markets. However, scientific and economic technicalties may limit the ability of biochar to consistently deliver on these expectations. Past research has demonstrated that biochar is part of the black carbon continuum with variable properties due to the net result of production (e.g., feedstock and pyrolysis conditions) and postproduction factors (storage or activation). Therefore, biochar is not a single entity but rather spans a wide range of black carbon forms. Biochar is black carbon, but not all black carbon is biochar. Agronomic benefits arising from biochar additions to degraded soils have been emphasized, but negligible and negative agronomic effects have also been reported. Fifty percent of the reviewed studies reported yield increases after black carbon or biochar additions, with the remainder of the studies reporting alarming decreases to no significant differences. Hardwood biochar (black carbon) produced by traditional methods (kilns or soil pits) possessed the most consistent yield increases when added to soils. The universality of this conclusion requires further evaluation due to the highly skewed feedstock preferences within existing studies. With global population expanding while the amount of arable land remains limited, restoring soil quality to nonproductive soils could be key to meeting future global food production, food security, and energy supplies; biochar may play a role in this endeavor. Biochar economics are often marginally viable and are tightly tied to the assumed duration of agronomic benefits. Further research is needed to determine the conditions under which biochar can provide economic and agronomic benefits and to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms responsible for these benefits.

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Section: Biochar Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biochar: A Synthesis of Its Agronomic Impact beyond Carbon Sequestration

Spokas

Cantrell²,

Novak³

et al. 2012

J. Environ. Qual.

843

507

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Hammer milled switchgrass was pyrolyzed and activated using a Lindberg bench furnace equipped with a retort (Lindberg/MPH with retort, Riverside, MI). Details of this system and its controls can be found elsewhere (Cantrell and Martin, 2012). Approximately 1300 g of switchgrass (moisture content of 8.8%) at a time was pyrolyzed under N 2 gas and steam activated concurrently according to the schedule listed in Table 1.…”

Section: Biochar Source and Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addition of activated switchgrass biochar to an aridic subsoil increases microbial nitrogen cycling gene abundances

Ducey

Ippolito

Cantrell

et al. 2013

Applied Soil Ecology

180

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a b s t r a c tIt has been demonstrated that soil amended with biochar, designed specifically for use as a soil conditioner, results in changes to the microbial populations that reside therein. These changes have been reflected in studies measuring variations in microbial activity, biomass, and community structure. Despite these studies, very few experiments have been performed examining microbial genes involved in nutrient cycling processes. Given the paucity of research in this area, we designed a 6 month study in a Portneuf subsoil treated with three levels (1%, 2%, and 10% w/w ratio) of a biochar pyrolyzed from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) at 350 • C and steam activated at 800 • C to measure the abundances of five genes involved in N cycling. Gene abundances were measured using qPCR, with relative abundances of these genes calculated based on measurement of the 16S rRNA gene. At the end of the 6 month study, all measured genes showed significantly greater abundances in biochar amended treatments as compared to the control. In soil amended with 10% biochar, genes involved in nitrogen fixation (nifH), and denitrification (nirS), showed significantly increased relative abundances. Lastly, gene abundances and relative abundances correlated with soil characteristics, in particular NO 3 -N, % N and % C. These results confirm that activated switchgrass-derived biochar, designed for use as a soil conditioner, has an impact on the treated soils microbial communities. We therefore suggest that future use of biochar as a soil management practice should take into account not only changes to the soil's physiochemical properties, but its biological properties as well.Published by Elsevier B.V.

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“…Biochar quality and characteristics vary with production conditions and feedstock used . Manure‐derived biochar often has a higher ash content, while wood‐derived biochar is rich in carbon . Higher temperature biochar has a higher carbon and plant nutrient content than lower temperature biochar …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fast pyrolysis biochar from sawdust improves the quality of desert soils and enhances plant growth

Laghari

Mirjat

et al. 2015

J Sci Food Agric

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Stochastic state‐space temperature regulation of biochar production. Part II: Application to manure processing via pyrolysis

Abstract: This state-space controller had the ability to pyrolyse a feedstock and generate a consistent biochar with similar structural properties and consistent compositional characteristics.

Cited by 34 publications

References 19 publications

Biochar: A Synthesis of Its Agronomic Impact beyond Carbon Sequestration

Biochar: A Synthesis of Its Agronomic Impact beyond Carbon Sequestration

Addition of activated switchgrass biochar to an aridic subsoil increases microbial nitrogen cycling gene abundances

Fast pyrolysis biochar from sawdust improves the quality of desert soils and enhances plant growth

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