Evaluation of the Properties and Usefulness of Ashes from the Corn Grain Drying Process Biomass

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study on chemical composition of ashes from three types of waste biomass in terms of fertilizer usefulness. Waste from the process of corn grain drying, including corn cobs, corn grains and corn husk and their mixtures in the ratio 4:1 (v/v) were examined. The study proved that corn grain was the material with the highest concentration of macroelements among those studied (P—21,452 ppm, K—25,970 ppm, S—5911 ppm) and the mixture of corn cobs with corn grains (Ca—81,521 ppm). When microelements were considered, the highest concentration was recorded for corn cobs (Cu—207 ppm, Mn—844 ppm, Zn—857 ppm) and corn husk (Fe—15,100 ppm). The analysis of toxic elements in the ashes of the biomass studied showed their highest concentration in corn husk ash (Ni—494 ppm, Cr—301 ppm, Pb—42.7 ppm, As—4.62 ppm). The analysis showed that regardless of the type of biomass studied, all ashes were strongly enriched (in relation to the average soil content) with phosphorus and corn husk ash with calcium in particular. A slight enrichment in copper and lead was recorded for all ashes, and moderate or low for the other elements. It was found that the examined ashes from biomass, which is a residue from the drying of maize grain, have a high fertilizer usefulness.

Energy Consumption and Quality of Pellets Made of Waste from Corn Grain Drying Process

“…It was found that the durability of CG grain waste, and its mixtures with cobs and husks, was much lower compared to other materials and mixtures. The addition of CG reduced the durability of the pellets, which may be due to the chemical composition of this material and its physical properties, as well as mineral impurities, as indicated by other authors [51,54,62]. For further comparison of the obtained results with those of other works, mixtures with an undamaged grain base were considered.…”

“…In an earlier study, the authors [37] determined the physicochemical properties of residues resulting from the corn drying process, and their mixtures were determined as potential biofuel. In addition, Zaj ąc et al [54] examined the effect of the chemical composition of ash formed from the combustion of waste biomass from the corn grain drying process, analyzed the possibility of its use in fertilization, and estimated the potential risk associated with its introduction into the environment. The aim of the present study was to assess the possibility of managing the waste resulting from the corn grain drying process as a biofuel characterized by low energy consumption in the compaction process and to evaluate the quality of the obtained pellets.…”

Evaluation of Growth and Energy Parameters of One-Year-Old Raspberry Shoots, Depending on the Variety

“…The use of crop residues is undoubtedly an attempt to achieve the effect of a closed cultivation cycle and sustainable development. Hence, the use of anaerobic digestate [31,32] and ashes [33,34] from this type of raw material for fertilizer purposes provides the basis for rational crop and energy management. If the use of agricultural waste as biomass for energy production increases, it could lead to the transformation of previously overlooked residues into a productive socio-economic collaboration between the agriculture and energy sectors [35].…”

Chemical and Energetical Properties in Methane Fermentation of Morphological Parts of Corn with Different Variety Earliness Standard FAO

“…Maj et al (2019) presented the results of chemical compositions and calorific value of husk and cobs cores. Zając et al (2020) tested chemical compositions of corn cobs and husks and based on these results estimated greenhouse gases emissions. Menardo et al (2015) presents the results of carbon and nitrogen content for four morphological parts of corn and the methane yield, but only for varieties FAO class 600.…”