Biochar in the agriculture field plays an important role in soil, water, nutrients, carbon dioxide emissions, crop harvest, etc. Usually, people make biochar by way of traditional kiln and pyrolysis. Each of these approaches has pros and cons. The mass of the final biochar is different. If you want to apply biochar in agriculture, please choose a suitable way to produce biochar.
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a major product after the pyrolysis of biomass. Biomass is decomposed into carbon and other solid substances such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), N (nitrogen), S (sulfur), and ash after being subjected to closed pyrolysis. The Ph value will also rise. Biochar is composed of these substances. The source of raw material, temperature, and parameters of pyrolysis will affect the composition of biochar. During the biomass pyrolysis process, liquids (wood vinegar, tar) and gases (biogas) are also produced.
Biochar has some differences from traditional fuel – charcoal, including different ingredients and functions. Biochar is produced from biomass. And it contains ingredients needed by soil and crops. It can exist in the soil for a long time, up to thousands of years. Charcoal is produced from biomass, sludge, and other substances. It is characterized by a high combustion value. It is often used as fuel. See their components.
| Items | Components |
| Biochar | The components mainly are carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and minerals in the ash fraction. |
| Charcoal | The components mainly are carbon, white ash, etc. |
Different Types of Biomass Suitable for Biochar Production
The main source of biochar is biomass waste. There are abundant sources of these biomass wastes. It mainly includes the following aspects:
- Agricultural waste: straw, rice husk, wood chips, bamboo, sawdust, grape vines, grape marc, peanut husk/fiber, pineapple husk, durian skin, empty fruit bunches, sugarcane bagasse, sunflower stalks, garden waste, biomass pellets, palm silk, Oak block, greenhouse waste, eucalyptus, hemp waste, etc.
- Nutshells: coconut shells, palm shells, olive seed shells, coffee shells, pistachio shells, pecan shells, cocoa shells, etc.
- Industrial waste: all kinds of sewage sludge.
How to Make Biochar by Biomass Pyrolysis Technology?
The way of biomass to biochar mainly refers to biomass pyrolysis. See how to make biochar by biomass pyrolysis.
- Put the raw materials into the main biochar furnace.
- Preheat the main furnace with the main furnace sealed.
- When the temperature reaches above 380 degrees Celsius, continuous biochar starts to be produced. The process of biomass to biochar takes about 15-25 minutes.
- When the pyrolysis process is complete, the biochar is removed manually or automatically.
- The combustible gas generated throughout the production process will be recycled. Emission smoke will be purified and discharged up to standard. So, the process of biochar production is environmentally friendly.
How is Biochar Used in Agriculture?
Biochar is suitable for degraded, arid, poorly fertile, or low organic matter soils. It can change the structure, texture, porosity, particle size distribution, and density of soil. Besides, it also has a positive influence on animal husbandry. Take a view at these benefits.
| Applications | Benefits of Using Biochar |
| Crop and Forestry |
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| Soil |
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| Animal Husbandry |
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Biochar’s Potential to Mitigate Climate Change in Farming
Biochar produced by biochar machines plays an important role in agriculture not only in terms of cultivation. It also plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.
Carbon Sequestration Biomass releases carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants into the air and soil when it decomposes naturally. However, carbonized biomass firmly locks the carbon. This way reduces carbon dioxide emissions from biomass.
Long-term Carbon Storage When Biochar is stored in the soil, it has strong stability. The carbon in biomass biochar can remain for thousands of years. This approach increases carbon storage and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduce Fertilizer Use Adding the right amount of biochar to the soil can help improve the soil. Thereby, this way reduces the use of chemical fertilizers. Greenhouse gases are produced during the production, transportation, and use of fertilizers, such as nitrous oxide, methane, etc. Therefore, this way will reduce the impact of these greenhouse gases on the environment.
The Environmental Benefits of Biochar in Agriculture
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation One of the great roles of Biochar in agriculture is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar blocks carbon. It helps remove carbon dioxide. In modern times, this is one of the most effective ways to combat the increase of global greenhouse gases.
Soil Carbon Enrichment Porous structure and abundant elements in soil promote soil carbon enrichment. Carbon-added soils have healthier ecosystems. At the same time, this soil also reduces the risk of soil degradation.
Reduced Nitrogen Leaching Nitrogen plays a vital role in plant growth. Fertilizer use and water movement can increase nitrogen loss. In soil, biochar can retain nitrogen. Therefore, biochar reduces the loss of soil nutrients from the environment.
Erosion Control When soil is amended with biomass, it helps the soil retain moisture and stability. Thereby reducing soil loss and protecting waterways. In this way, the ecosystem will be healthier.
Manure Management of Livestock Biochar can be used to manage manure from livestock. In this way, the emission of greenhouse gases, especially methane, can be reduced. At the same time, this method also improves the living environment of livestock.
Waste Conservation Agricultural water accounts for more than 50%. After biochar improves the water-holding capacity of the soil, agriculture can use less water, especially in arid regions. Appropriate irrigation techniques are needed to reduce agricultural water use.
Use Biochar Pyrolysis Machine to Make Biochar
Beston Group is an experienced manufacturer of biochar pyrolysis plants. We provide seven models with factory prices. If you are interested in these machines, contact us.
| Model | BST-06 | BST-50 |
| Input Capacity | 0.3-0.5m³/h | 10-15m³/h |
| Reactor Size | φ820mm*L11200mm | φ2000mm*L14260mm |
| Land for Equipment (L*W*H, Standard Configuration) | 25m*15m*8m | 35m*18m*9m |
| Weight (Standard Configuration) | 21T | 49T |
| Energy Consumption (Standard Configuration) | 153kw/h*0.7 | 191kw/h*0.7 |
| Working Method | Fully continuous | |
| Feeding Requirement | Size: ≤20mm; moisture: ≤15%; strong liquidity | |
| Structure | Double barrel double hearth | |
| Speed | 1-9RPM | |
| Control Method | PLC control | |
| Reactor Material | Stainless steel 304 | |
| Pressure | Micro negative pressure | |
| Heating Material | Diesel, natural gas, heavy oil, biomas, etc. | |
| Heating Method | Direct heating | |
| Noise (dB) | ≤80 | |
| Condenser | Circulating water cooling | |
| Rotation Method | External gear rotation | |
Biochar is a Sustainable Solution for Agriculture
Biochar in agriculture has many benefits to crops, forestry, animal husbandry, the environment, etc. Now, many customers invest in Beston biochar machines to produce biochar in agriculture. Beston Group provides biochar making solutions, a biochar production line, and a series of services to customers. If you have this demand, contact us right now.
