Migration and transformation mechanism of nitrogen in the biomass–biochar–plant transport process

Yuan, Shengnan; Tan, Zhongxin; Huang, Qiaoyun

doi:10.1016/j.rser.2018.01.008

Cited by 47 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 59 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Of the main plant nutrients, P and K are fully retained in biochar at typical pyrolysis temperatures (300°–700°) (Bridle & Pritchard, 2004; Buss et al, 2016). Nonetheless, 50%–80% of N can be lost (Hossain et al, 2011; Ye et al, 2020; Yuan et al, 2018) depending on the N content of the feedstock (Torres‐Rojas et al, 2020), with greater loss at high pyrolysis temperature. A meta‐analysis found N, P, and K concentrations in biochars of 1.0%, 0.4%, and 1.9% (wood‐derived biochars), 1.5%, 0.8%, and 4.1% (crop residue biochars) and 2.4%, 2.6%, and 2.5% (manure/sewage sludge biochars), respectively (Ippolito et al, 2020).…”

Section: Biochar's Role In the Circular Economymentioning

confidence: 99%

How biochar works, and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We synthesized 20 years of research to explain the interrelated processes that determine soil and plant responses to biochar. The properties of biochar and its effects within agricultural ecosystems largely depend on feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. We describe three stages of reactions of biochar in soil: dissolution (1–3 weeks); reactive surface development (1–6 months); and aging (beyond 6 months). As biochar ages, it is incorporated into soil aggregates, protecting the biochar carbon and promoting the stabilization of rhizodeposits and microbial products. Biochar carbon persists in soil for hundreds to thousands of years. By increasing pH, porosity, and water availability, biochars can create favorable conditions for root development and microbial functions. Biochars can catalyze biotic and abiotic reactions, particularly in the rhizosphere, that increase nutrient supply and uptake by plants, reduce phytotoxins, stimulate plant development, and increase resilience to disease and environmental stressors. Meta‐analyses found that, on average, biochars increase P availability by a factor of 4.6; decrease plant tissue concentration of heavy metals by 17%–39%; build soil organic carbon through negative priming by 3.8% (range −21% to +20%); and reduce non‐CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from soil by 12%–50%. Meta‐analyses show average crop yield increases of 10%–42% with biochar addition, with greatest increases in low‐nutrient P‐sorbing acidic soils (common in the tropics), and in sandy soils in drylands due to increase in nutrient retention and water holding capacity. Studies report a wide range of plant responses to biochars due to the diversity of biochars and contexts in which biochars have been applied. Crop yields increase strongly if site‐specific soil constraints and nutrient and water limitations are mitigated by appropriate biochar formulations. Biochars can be tailored to address site constraints through feedstock selection, by modifying pyrolysis conditions, through pre‐ or post‐production treatments, or co‐application with organic or mineral fertilizers. We demonstrate how, when used wisely, biochar mitigates climate change and supports food security and the circular economy.

show abstract

Section: Biochar's Role In the Circular Economymentioning

confidence: 99%

How biochar works, and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The predominant peak was observed in both biomass samples at 399.9 ± 0.2 eV, which can be verified as N-A (Figure 2c,d) [12]. Maize can absorb nitrogen elements from soil and chemical fertilizer for growth, the fixed nitrogen in biomass mainly existing in the forms of amine-N/amide-N/protein-N [46]. Some nitrogen in biomass exists in inorganic nitrogen such as NH 4 + -N, while quaternary-N groups are usually observed after heating treatment [47][48][49], thus the small peaks at 401.88 eV of RMS and 401.39 eV of AMS should be defined as N-IN in this study (Figure 2c,d) [36].…”

Section: Characteristics Of Raw/acid Leached Maize Strawmentioning

confidence: 58%

Nitrogen Migration during Pyrolysis of Raw and Acid Leached Maize Straw

Mou

Zou

et al. 2021

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Solid biofuel is considered as a possible substitute for coal in household heat production because of the available and sustainable raw materials, while NOx emissions from its combustion have become a serious problem. Nitrogen-containing compounds in pyrolysis products have important effects on the conversion of fuel-N into NOx-N. Understanding these converting pathways is important for the environmentally friendly use of biomass fuels. The nitrogen migration during pyrolysis of raw and acid leached maize straw at various temperatures was investigated in this study. Thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the performances of thermal decomposition and pyrolysis products from samples. The main nitrogen functional groups in biomass and biochar products were N-A (amine-N/amide-N/protein-N), pyridine-N, and pyrrole-N, according to the findings. The most common gaseous NOx precursor was NH3, which was produced primarily during the conversion of N-A to pyridine-N and pyrrole-N. The formation of HCN mainly came from the secondary decomposition of heterocyclic-N at high temperatures. Before the pyrolysis temperature increased to 650 °C, more than half of the fuel-N was stored in the biochar. At the same pyrolysis temperature, acid-leached maize straw yielded more gas-N and char-N than the raw biomass. The highest char-N yield of 76.39 wt% was obtained from acid-leached maize straw (AMS) pyrolysis at 350 °C. Low pyrolysis temperature and acid-leaching treatment can help to decrease nitrogen release from stable char structure, providing support for reducing nitrogenous pollutant emissions from straw fuel.

show abstract

“…The introduction of organic carbon in the form of biochar is more beneficial in terms of improving soil fertility and in terms of permanent carbon binding in the soil [20,21]. Yuan et al [22] report that the efficiency of biochar introduced into the soil depends on the level of decomposition of organic matter, which, in turn, depends on the type of raw material of biochar and the temperature of biochar production. Raya-Moreno et al [23] point out that the efficiency of permanent carbon bonding depends on the raw material from which biochar is made.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Soybean Cultivation Fertilized with Biochar from Various Utility Plants

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Organic matter is an indispensable element of soil. Its quantity and quality affect its properties, e.g., structure, buffering, sorption capacity, air–water relations, and thermal properties. The purpose of the research was to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in soybean cultivation, fertilized with biochar from various crops. Two experimental factors were included: the dose of biochar and the type of biochar used as per raw material used in its production. The adopted functional unit was 1 ton of soybeans. To reach the adopted goal, a strict field experiment was carried out. The total amount of GHG emitted by the cultivation was calculated according to the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. The system boundaries included: GHG emissions from fertilizers and seeds used, GHG emissions related to biochar production, emissions related to fossil fuel combustion, and emissions related to the decomposition of crop residues and soil organic matter and the decomposition of biochar. The results of the research indicate a significant potential of biochar to reduce GHG emissions in agricultural production. From the environmental and production perspective, the addition of biochar at 60 Mg ha−1 is the most advantageous. A further increase in the addition of biochar was related to a decrease in plant yield and an increase in GHG emissions per functional unit of the product. The use of biochar in soybean cultivation resulted in a 25% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the object without the biochar addition. The amount of GHG emissions for soybeans ranged from 846.9 to 1260.1 kg of CO2/Mg. The use of biochar from forest biomass resulted in a higher yield, 12% on average, compared to sunflower husk biochar. The introduction of biochar to soils can be an effective improvement in the economic and environmental efficiency of plant production, as it increases the use of nutrients by the plant and intensifies carbon sequestration in soils.

show abstract

Migration and transformation mechanism of nitrogen in the biomass–biochar–plant transport process

Cited by 47 publications

References 59 publications

How biochar works, and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar

How biochar works, and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar

Nitrogen Migration during Pyrolysis of Raw and Acid Leached Maize Straw

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Soybean Cultivation Fertilized with Biochar from Various Utility Plants

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About