Abstract
In this study, an assessment of the available sources of biomass and the associated technologies are given for possible energy efficiency improvement. Bio char, a by product of biomass carbonization was assessed as a potential soil amendment as well as nutrient cycle agent. Bio energy is 80% efficient and if sustainable technologies are adopted the value can be increased so that the bio char available also increases. Usage of bio char in soil amendment improves the soil moisture content and has potential to act as a liming agent. High crop yields of up to 140% have been reported upon bio char use with application rates of at least 10 tons/hectare in field crops. The behaviour is attributed to the Terra preta effect caused by bio char and also increased micro organisms' habitants in the soil. However, several gaps such as the effect of carbonization temperature, source of biomass and its loading and their effects on nutrient cycling on the soil and plants still need to be understand in order to improve the nutrient cycling effects as well as the biomass cycle.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 120-128 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management |
| Volume | 2018 |
| Issue number | SEP |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |
| Event | 3rd North American IEOM Conference. IEOM 2018 - Duration: 27 Sept 2018 → 29 Sept 2018 |
Keywords
- Bio char
- Bio energy
- Biomass
- Nutrient cycling
- Terra preta effects
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Strategy and Management
- Management Science and Operations Research
- Control and Systems Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
