Biochar Texture—A Parameter Influencing Physicochemical Properties, Morphology, and Agronomical Potential

Abstract

Biochar represents a stable form of carbon-rich organic material produced by the pyrolysis of various biomass residues. It has the potential to stabilize organic carbon in the soil and improve soil fertility, water retention, and enhance plant growth. Despite its potential, there is limited information on the mutual relation of biochar texture with its physicochemical characteristics, morphology, and the content of organic matter. For these reasons, we studied three biochar samples with potential use in agriculture as soil supplements (NovoCarbo, Sonnenerde, Biouhel.cz). Our experimental approach performed on the individual sieved fraction of studied biochars (<0.5; 0.5–2.0; 2.0–4.0 and >4.0 mm) confirmed the importance of a selection of optimal source biomass material as the content of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, together with the conditions of pyrolysis (temperature of pyrolysis), play a crucial role in the managing of the properties of produced biochar. Agronomically more stable biochars containing a higher content of organic matter and organic carbon, with alkaline pH response and well-developed aromatic porous structure, could be produced from lignin-based biomass residues at higher pyrolysis temperatures, which is an important finding taking into account the possible utilization of biochar in soils as a soil conditioner.

WITHDRAWN: Optimization and characterization of biochar obtained from weedy biomass of Calotropis gigantea by vacuum pyrolysis

“…Thus, from FTIR results it is interpreted that due to pyrolysis at 450°C temperature thermal degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose have occurred whereas some aromatics functional group related to lignin remain in biochar. This characteristics enables biochar as potential source for soil improvement (Nkoh et al 2021, Kalina et al 2022. Further application of Calotropis biochar could contribute, by cation exchange capacity/complexation/precipitation, to the treatment of soil and waste water pollutants due to the presence of oxygen based functional group and aromatic structure.…”

The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and the Source Biomass on the Properties of Biochar Produced for the Agronomical Applications as the Soil Conditioner

“…The effect of the biomass feedstock origin and the conditions of pyrolysis on the corresponding morphological characteristics of produced biochar was studied using SEM visualization of the internal structure together with the measurement of specific surface area (SSA) by BET analysis (Table 2). The development of internal surface and porosity is crucial for the potential agronomical application of biochar as these characteristics can directly influence possible interaction with soil nutrients, pollutants and/or water holding and ion-change capacity [6,28]. Amalina et al [20] described the direct connection between the extent of SSA development of biochar with its agronomical potential.…”

“…The attractive chemical properties of biochar produced for agronomical utilization as a soil supplement are associated with a positive effect on a reduction in the total amount of greenhouse gasses released from the soil decreased leaching of macro-(P, N, Mg, Ca, K) and micronutrients (Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn), plant health and growth enhancement, reduction in the mobility of various heavy metals (e.g., As, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd) and positive effects on the soil microorganism communities [1,5]. The possible agronomical potential of biochar is also closely linked with its physicochemical properties, morphology and texture [6]. The idea of biochar utilization in agriculture has the historical consequence as the direct proof of the positive effect of biochar on soil properties is a Hortic anthrosol of the Amazon (Terra preta) [7].…”

Pengaruh Biochar Sekam dan biourine Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Padi (Oryza sativa L.)

“…Beberapa penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa biochar bisa menambah baik pH tanah, KTK, agregasi, populasi dan biologi tanah menjadi meningkat (Masulili et al, 2010). Biochar yang secara agronomis lebih stabil yang mengandung kandungan bahan organik dan karbon organik yang lebih tinggi, dengan respons pH basa dan struktur berpori aromatik yang berkembang dengan baik (Kalina et al, 2022). Menurut Nurida et al, (2014) Tabel 3 menunjukkan bahwa jumlah malai umur 63 hst, 70 hst, 77 hst dan 84 hst menunjukan bahwa perlakuan menggunakan pupuk biochar sekam padi dan biourine kambing (A3B3) memperoleh hasil tertinggi.…”