This video delves into the science behind biochar and its properties. The speaker notes that while biochar is an effective soil amendment, it is important to understand the unique properties of different biochars before using them. This requires thorough testing and characterization, including physical, chemical, and biological properties such as surface area, pH, and toxicity. The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) certifies biochars based on their properties and uses a standardized method for measurement. The video also discusses the impact of biochar on soil fertility, adsorption, and potential health risks. The speakers also address questions related to biochar safety, recalcitrant properties, and cost-effectiveness. The video concludes by highlighting the complexities and challenges of creating biochar reactors and the importance of engineering biochar products based on clients’ specific needs.
00:00:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of knowing the properties of different biochars before making a purchase because not all biochars are equal. Biochars vary based on feedstock and processing conditions which can impact their physical, chemical, and biological properties. The speaker gives examples of two biochars, one of which is a mix of biochar and waste carbon material, and the other is purely made from pine wood. To accurately assess biochar properties, physical properties like surface area and particle size, chemical properties like pH and composition, and biological properties like toxicity and the ability to promote microbial growth must be taken into account. However, there are limited standards to characterize biochar in the literature, and variation in values can occur due to biomass heterogeneity and differing laboratory techniques.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses efforts towards standardization in biochar testing and certifications. One such organization is the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), which certifies biochar based on physical, chemical, and biological properties. The IBI has three test categories that include basic analysis, toxicity, and advanced analysis. Additionally, the IBI uses a standardized test method for measuring biochar properties such as moisture content, ash content, and particle size distribution. However, the speaker notes that there is a disagreement with the IBI on the use of a muffle furnace for measuring volatile matter and instead advocates for the use of a thermogravimetric analyzer in his laboratory.
00:10:00 In this section, we learn about the characterizations that are conducted on biochar. There are different methods that can be used to determine the content of the biochar, including proximate and ultimate analysis and measuring pH and electrical conductivity. The elemental analysis reveals the elemental composition of the biochar and can help predict potential chemical reactions when the biochar is used as a soil amendment. Furthermore, the salinity and electrical conductivity of biochars tend to increase with pyrolysis temperature and biochar that is created at higher temperatures is darker in color. These characteristics are important to understand when using biochar for different applications.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the different tests that are conducted to measure the impact of biochar on plant germination, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals. The germination inhibition assay is a popular test and is conducted using arugula as they are sensitive to changes. The organic content of biochar is investigated using solvents to extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and then injected into a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer to generate a chromatogram. Heavy metals, on the other hand, are determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to measure the concentration. The reason for these tests is to ascertain whether biochar is able to release these compounds or alternatively sequester them, which is debated in the scientific community.
00:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of elemental analysis and testing for potential health implications of biochar, as well as the implications for soil fertility and microbial populations. They explain that the presence of nutrients in the biochar can improve soil fertility but also warn of the potential for sequestration and storage of nutrients that could lead to their removal from the soil. The speaker also explains how surface area measurements can influence soil fertility and nutrient storage, and discusses additional properties that could impact the commercialization of biochar, such as adsorption capacity and stability measurements. Overall, the testing and analysis of biochar is critical to understanding its potential benefits and limitations.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of adsorption in the bioavailability and transport of chemicals, which is particularly relevant in agriculture, where slow-release fertilizers can be created by putting nutrients into biochars. The surface chemistry of biochars is also important, with certain groups enhancing absorption of organics while others increase heavy metal absorption and nutrient holding capacity. The speaker also provides some tips for accessing lab facilities, such as partnering with academic researchers to obtain low-cost equipment and analysis. Finally, the speaker outlines the lab capabilities and work done at Cornell, including industrial work with partners and biochar characterization. The characteristics of biochars are important to standardize, but they can vary depending on feedstock and pyrolysis conditions.
00:30:00 In this section, the speaker addresses various questions about biochar, including its recalcitrant properties, cost of testing and certification, behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on temperature and pH stability, and its potential harm to raised vegetable beds. Answering the question on how a homeowner would know if they are doing more harm than good by putting biochar into their raised beds, the speaker suggests that most biochar made from hardwood and at a low concentration of 5-10% would not harm the plants. However, using large quantities of industrial biochar, which varies in quality, poses potential concerns.
00:35:00 the application and potential health risks, smaller sized biochars may not be the best option for soil amendments. The organic compounds from hydrothermal carbonization tend to condense on the solid phase, creating compounds that can be phytotoxic and contain heavy metals like lead, silver, and zinc. The use of larger biochars is safer for humans handling it, while smaller biochars may pose risks if inhaled. Overall, more research is necessary for the commercialization of hydrochar and the use of smaller sized biochars.
00:40:00 In this section, two speakers discuss the safety concerns when using nano-sized fertilizers and fine particle-sized biochar. Although the risk of biochar aerosolizing is minimal, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment when applying it to avoid inhalation. Bernie, the next speaker, suggests that adding water to the biochar can mitigate the risk of inhaling fine particles. He also presents his company, Artie Char’s, concept of biochar and their approach to it. They have faced challenges and opportunities in the field, and they acknowledge that there are still things they don’t know. Bernie also discusses the different biochar products and their market, and how Artie Char is trying to make a difference.
00:45:00
In this section, the speaker discusses their experience producing biochar in Nicaragua with a simple kiln and measuring greenhouse gas emissions in the soil. Despite the limitations of their equipment, they were able to gather enough material to run experiments and measure CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions over a three-month period. They found that while adding biochar did result in slightly more CO2 emissions, the amount of carbon sequestered in those applications was significant. They prorated the data for a year and found that the control group emitted 23 tons per acre per year, while biochar addition emitted 25 and biochar-manure emitted 29-32 tons of CO2 per acre per year. The biochar addition led to significant carbon sequestration in the soil.
00:50:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges they faced in creating a reactor in Nicaragua to produce biochar and measure greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the difficulties, they found that it was feasible to make biochar and measure CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions. However, the cost of materials and operational costs proved to be expensive, and labor intensiveness presented challenges. They explain that while biochar can be made from many feedstocks, it is not simple or inexpensive to produce good quality, consistent biochar. Moisture is a significant issue that can affect the reactions during production, and working with combustors can be challenging.
00:55:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the complexity of biochar reactors and how changing one aspect can affect the output of the biochar. Temperature is a crucial factor, but there are many other factors to consider. The cost of traditional systems is high, and it is difficult to ensure consistent quality and avoid emissions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of developing more advanced and automated systems that are clean, reliable, inexpensive, and versatile. Additionally, the speaker warns against using the term “charcoal” to describe biochar because it gives the wrong impression to clients. The speaker highlights that not all biochars are equal and explains the different thermochemical conversions that produce various types of biochar. Knowing the specific use and situation of the client will enable biochar producers to engineer a more effective product.
01:00:00 – 02:00:00
The Science Behind Biochar video delves into the different properties of carbon-based materials, with a specific focus on biochar as a soil amendment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of carbon sequestration and the understanding of soil parameters, such as pH levels and organic matter, before using biochar. The benefits of biochar on plant growth and yield are also discussed. However, the speaker warns about the dangers of promoting biochar as a solution to all problems without proper care. The video also covers the production, equipment, and appropriate application rates of biochar. The challenges and benefits of using biochar as a soil amendment are explored, including its potential to remediate heavy metals, sequester carbon, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
01:00:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the different properties of carbon-based materials. The speaker emphasizes the differences in the chemical and physical properties and the applications of the materials. The focus is on biochar, a soil amendment, and the different feedstocks used to produce it. The speaker discusses the technical parameters and engineering involved in producing the best biochar for the specific application. The speaker shows a biochar reactor system that integrates automation and explains the process of grinding, drying, carbonizing, cooling, and bagging the biochar. The benefits of biochar are also discussed, but the speaker warns the audience to be careful when promoting it as a solution to all problems.
01:05:00 In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of carbon sequestration, as biochar is incredible for it, and it is the number one thing that needs to be pushed forward. However, he also notes that not all biochars are useful in all situations, and there is a need for a lot of knowledge and understanding of the various important concepts such as pH, salinity, electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and more. Understanding the soil is crucial before using any biochar. While biochars can benefit air, water and soil, how they are made determines the kind of benefits they offer in different applications. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what we want to accomplish and start modifying things in the processing to get the best biochar possible.
01:10:00 In this section, the speaker explains that the effects of biochar extend beyond the direct changes such as nutrient absorption and leachate reduction. The microbial community that biochar creates and the increase in organic and inorganic biota within the soil can lead to a hundredfold increase in plant growth and soil yields. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the indirect effects of biochar in addition to the direct effects and suggests that more research needs to be done. The speaker also introduces various biochar products such as liquid and solid suspensions, compost and biochar, and worm casting and biochar, which can enhance the nutrient content and microbial life in the soil. The speaker recommends using these products instead of solely relying on biochar alone as improper use can lead to nutrient immobilization.
01:15:00 In this section, the speaker answers a question about the recommended application rates for biochar in different situations, although the amount and type of biochar needed can vary depending on what the user wants to improve. As a general recommendation, one ton to ten tons per hectare can be applied to improve the organic matter of the soil and obtain the other benefits that it brings. However, it’s difficult to know the ideal amount without considering the soil’s current organic matter content and the user’s specific goals. Therefore, tweaking the amount depends on the client’s needs.
01:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the various factors that need to be considered when using biochar in farming. These include the pH levels, environmental conditions, feedstock and temperature used to make the biochar, carbon recovery, and surface area. One important point the speaker makes is that surface area is not the most important factor when it comes to biochar performance. Instead, other factors like the size of the pores and the functional groups on the surface area are more crucial. Overall, the production and use of biochar in agriculture is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail.
01:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the idea of surface area as the holy grail and how it does not necessarily correlate with the absorption capacity of hydrogen sulfide, CBOD remodeling in water, or other properties. He argues that there is a lot more to consider beyond surface area, such as the chemical properties that come with functional groups. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the potential of biochar as a carbon-negative solution, highlighting that one ton of biochar with 80 percent carbon could sequester the equivalent of three tons of CO2. The speaker also discusses the equipment and systems used to produce biochar, as well as the importance of research and development in understanding the nuances of biochar production.
01:30:00 In this section, Bernie discusses the different materials and equipment used in the production of biochar. He explains how waste heat from other processes, such as dryers, can be utilized to save costs and energy. Bernie also highlights the importance of addressing emissions and ensuring equipment efficiency through measures such as CFDs and cooling towers. Additionally, he mentions the potential use of solar drying systems, but warns about their potentially high capital costs. The Q&A section includes questions about the classification of biochar produced through gasification, traditional charcoal making systems, and the capacity and electricity usage of containerized units.
01:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the ideal conditions for biochar production and the amount of power required for the system. He also explains how liquid biochar can be applied to soil and how it suspends in water. The speaker recommends mixing biochar with compost and vermicast before using it in raised vegetable beds, and warns about the high pH of most biochar. He also talks about the possibility of altering functional groups with peroxide or acids and describes the dry feedstock volume throughput of the paralysis process. The speaker ends the section by answering a question about the temperatures for biochar production.
01:40:00 In this section, Chunky from Iowa State University discusses the application of biochar as an absorber of nutrients from animal manure. She explains that biochar has the potential to be valorized for better use in the soil or remediation work. Chunky works with two different departments at the university – the Bioeconomy Institute, which produces the biochar, and the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, where they valorize it. Iowa is a top producer of pork in the US, and the industry generates over 40 billion dollars. Biochar has the potential to improve nutrient recycling from animal manure in this industry.
01:45:00 In this section, we learn about the issues with using swine manure as a nutrient source for growing crops. While the manure is rich in nutrients and can replace the need for inorganic fertilizers, it is highly odorous and contains over 90% water, making it difficult to handle. Swine manure also releases harmful gases, such as ammonia and H2S, which can be dangerous for workers and animals. Additionally, the low carbon-nitrogen ratio means that the soil can become too active, breaking down both the manure’s carbon and the soil’s native carbon, leading to a loss of nutrients and carbon to the environment. Biochar, on the other hand, is a solid co-product of lignocellulosic biomass that can be created through processes like fast pyrolysis or autothermal pyrolysis. Its high surface area makes it a valuable tool for improving soil quality while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
01:50:00 In this section, the benefits and challenges of using biochar as a soil amendment are discussed. Biochar has a high surface area, making it a good absorber of gaseous compounds and even colloidal particles, such as those found in manure. It also has a high carbon to nitrogen ratio, which means that it improves soil quality and takes thousands of years for microbes to break down. Furthermore, it has the potential to sequester carbon and improve organic matter in soil, and it can remediate heavy metals like copper, zinc, and arsenic. However, biochar is expensive and difficult to transport, and its surface charge and absorbent properties can vary greatly based on biomass and pyrolysis techniques. Biochar is also a poor absorber of negatively charged nutrients like nitrate and phosphate, which can lead to leaching losses. Nonetheless, recent research has shown that adding wood biochar to swine manure can enhance air quality in swine farms.
01:55:00 In this section, the speaker discusses a small study conducted on the effects of adding biochar to swine manure to reduce the emission of toxic gases, odorous compounds, and ammonia. The hypothesis is that biochar can absorb macro and micronutrients, improving soil quality when mixed with manure. The study showed that the addition of biochar improved soil quality and allowed nutrients to be more easily absorbed by plants. The study used three different types of biochar and corn and soybean were grown in Iowa’s soil, the results of which showed promise for reducing the environmental impact of animal farming.
02:00:00 – 02:25:00
The video discusses various experiments conducted to analyze the impact of a biochar-manure mixture on soil and plant growth. Overall, the results were positive, showing that the mixture can increase soil organic matter while not hampering soil pH, improve nutrient retention and crop yield, and reduce heavy metal-related issues caused by manure application. The use of biochar in the mixture can also decrease the activity of pathogens and reduce the use of expensive fertilizers while still maximizing nutrient uptake by plants. The speaker suggests that further optimization and long-term field experiments are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of biochar-manure mixtures.
02:00:00 In this section, the speaker describes an experiment where they mixed biochar with swine manure. The mixture was incubated for a month and then analyzed for pH, nutrients, organic carbon, and nitrogen. The mixture resulted in an increase in pH by two units and an increase in both inorganic and organic nitrogen compared to the biochar itself. In addition, the mixture absorbed excess manure moisture and was easier to handle. In experiment two, columns of soil were treated with manure, and after leaching, it was found that the manure-treated columns clogged and did not release water. This suggests that long-term use of manure could lead to a stagnant fill not conducive to plant growth.
02:05:00 In this section, the presenter discusses the results of three experiments using soil columns and pots to analyze the effects of a biochar-manure mixture on nutrient parameters and plant growth. The addition of manure and biochar in the soil did not lead to significant changes in nitrogen and ammonium loss in leachate or in the carbon to nitrogen ratio, indicating good soil quality. However, the biochar-manure mixture did increase inorganic nitrogen and available plant phosphorus. Interestingly, the presence of iron in the biochar-manure mixture led to a significant decrease in plant available phosphorus. In the plant growth experiment, corn and soybean both showed good growth in the biochar-manure mixture, with biomass yield and nutrient uptake similar to control groups.
02:10:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the impact of biochar on soil quality and plant growth. The results showed that the biochar-manure mixture had the highest plant available phosphorus and potassium, while the copper and zinc levels were low, meaning that the mixture was good at holding these elements. The study also found that on application, the manure-biochar mixture reduced natural leaching loss and did not hamper the microbial activity. The biomass yield and nutrient uptake by the plants were not significantly different among the treatments. The speaker concludes that the biochar-manure mixture has agronomic benefits and can increase soil organic matter without hampering soil pH. Additionally, it can reduce heavy metal-related issues that manure application could cause in the soil.
02:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the short-term studies related to the environmental impact of biochar, highlighting the need for long-term field experiments. However, the results from these early stage studies have been positive, indicating the potential benefits of using biochar with different types of manure. The speaker also addresses questions on the economic scalability of biochar production and the levels of phosphorus in biochar-manure mixtures. The speaker suggests that biochar-manure ratios need to be optimized for better amendments and shares that the work will be published soon. Lastly, the possibility of cooking manure with a mix of feedstock is discussed, but the speaker emphasizes the need for cost efficiency, which can be achieved with biochar.
02:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the use of biochar in combination with manure as a way to improve soil health and nutrient retention. They mention that while slow pyrolysis biochar may behave differently than fast pyrolysis biochar, both could potentially work in these applications due to their absorptive properties. The speaker recommends the use of biochar in combination with manure as a way to increase crop yield and retain nutrients in the soil over a longer term, even if the immediate effects may not be as noticeable. They also believe that the use of biochar can reduce the activity of pathogens in the soil due to its natural absorptive properties.
02:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how biochar can be beneficial for plant growth by resisting pathogenic activity and improving crop nutrient uptake. Studies have shown that the presence of biochar in soil can reduce antibiotic activity, possibly contributing to the resistance of pathogens. By reducing the amount of voucher used and increasing manure, the nutrient availability can be maintained at a sweet spot, which can decrease costs while maximizing nutrient uptake by plants.
