Biochar system and product
We operate both continuous pyrolyzer and batch kiln, which give us ability to handle a wide range of the biomass feedstocks to produce biochar and carbon coated mineral (CCM), which is also called Biochar Mineral Complex (BMC). Based on the end product requirement the process temperature can range from sub 300°C to 700°C. Generally saying the higher the temperature goes, the higher fixed carbon content however lower biochar yield.
The biochar is derived from biomass only. When we produce carbon coated mineral, we coat fine rock minerals onto the biomass feedstock prior to pyrolysis. Mineral-enriched biochar delivers enhanced nutrient recovery and carbon dioxide removal.
Biochar Is a Valuable Soil Enhancer
Biochars refer to the carbon-rich materials (charcoal) produced from pyrolysis of biomass in the condition of lack of oxygen. Biochar is stable and rich in carbon, used as soil enhancer to improve and maintain soil fertility and to increase soil carbon sequestration. Biochar can endure in soil for thousands of years.
It is a 2,000 year-old practice converts agricultural waste into a soil enhancer that can hold carbon, boost food security, and increase soil biodiversity. The process creates a fine-grained, highly porous charcoal that helps soils to retain nutrients & water.
Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wide appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer. It holds carbon and makes soils more fertile. Researches confirm the benefits that include:
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Reduced leaching of nitrogen into ground water
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Possible reduced emissions of nitrous oxide
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Increased cation-exchange capacity resulting in improved soil fertility
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Moderating of soil acidity
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Increased water retention
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Increased number of beneficial soil microbes
Biochar also improves water quality and quantity by increasing soil retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant and crop.
The IPCC assesses that biochar has a global potential to eventually remove 2.6 billion tonnes CO2 per year. According to the report biochar has the potential to bring several co-benefits, for example, increased yields/food production capacity, particularly in sandy and acidic soils, increased soil water-holding capacity and nitrogen use efficiency, biological nitrogen fixation, and enhanced resilience to climate change. The report also points out biochar’s ability to adsorb (and thereby immobilise) organic pollutants and heavy metals.
Biochar is a Powerfully Simple Tool to Combat Climate Change
The carbon in biochar resists degradation and can hold carbon in soils for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar is produced through pyrolysis or gasification — processes that heat biomass in the absence (or under reduction) of oxygen.
Biochar and bioenergy co-production can help combat global climate change by displacing fossil fuel use and by sequestering carbon in stable soil carbon pools. It may also reduce emissions of nitrous oxide.
https://www.biochar-international.org/sustainability-climate-change/
Controlled charring (pyrolysis) can convert up to half of the carbon in plant biomass into chemical forms that are biologically fixed and stable. Biochar has two-fold higher carbon content than ordinary biomass. Moreover, biochar locks up rapidly decomposing carbon in plant biomass in a much more durable form. Once biochar is incorporated into soil, it is difficult to imagine any change in practice that would cause a loss of the stored carbon.
Source: Thermochemical Transformation of Agrobiomass into Biochar: Simultaneous Carbo Sequestration and Soil Amendment, by Mausam Verma, et al
