Characterization of feedstocks and biochar for agricultural use.

• Grant number: 13/09229-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: February 28, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri
• Grantee: Rafaela Feola Conz
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Biochar and its application to the soil has been studied due to its potential improvement in the soil physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as its contribution to the carbon sequestration.The use of biochar in agricultural systems is a possible solution for the disposal of various types of feedstocks, such as those from pruning, grain processing and harvesting.Considering the high variability of available feedstocks as well as the diverse manufacturing processes to produce biochar, it is expected a wide range of physico-chemical characteristics in the final product and thus in its interaction with the soil.The aim of the present study is to characterize the different feedstocks and biochars manufactured in contrasting conditions, and analyze a possible relationship between both materials. The feedstock selection regarding its availability within the region of study. Pyrolysis temperatures will vary from 300oC to 600oC.The characterization will be carried out before and after the pyrolysis of the feedstock in order to assess the possible interactions with the biochar produced. The analysis laid out in the experiment include those suggested by the International Biochar Initiative as well as Scanning Electron Microscpy and some of the spectroscopy methodologies such as FTIR and RMN, and also measurements of pH and CEC.The information acquired through the characterization of feedstocks and the biochar produced will allow the evaluation of possible interactions between the materials, assisting in the development of manufacturing techniques in order to produce the biochar with the desired properties.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

CONZ, Rafaela Feola. Characterization of feedstocks and biochars for agricultural use. 2015. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) Piracicaba.