The development of a sustainable agricultural industry through the application of biochar and pyroligneous acid

Josephine I Mmojieje, Andreas Hornung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

This paper marks the first in a series of studies into the potential use of pyrolysis products in the development of more sustainable practices within the agricultural industry. In this study, the immediate benefits of the application of biochar to crop yields of Raphanus sativus (radishes) are assessed. Furthermore, the study reports on the preliminary findings into the potential application of pyroligneous acid (wood vinegar) as a biocidal agent against crop disease. Although germination tests undertaken on biochar/compost blends of up to 1: 2, by weight, showed no significant adverse effect from the addition of the nutrient rich carbonaceous solid, evidence of substantial increases in crop yield through the addition of biochar were not observed. In sharp contrast, zones of inhibition were observed at 3-10 vol. % upon application of pyroligneous acid to two causal agents responsible for certain diseases in vegetable and fruit crops, i.e. Rhizobium radiobacter (agrobacterium tumefaciens) and Xanthomonas campestris, highlighting the versatility in the application of pyrolysis products and avenues for exploration in the development of this biomass conversion technology.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPapers of the 22nd European Biomass Conference
Subtitle of host publicationsetting the course for a biobased economy
EditorsC. Hoffman, D. Baxter, K. Maniatis, et al
Pages1244-1251
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event22nd European International Biomass Conference - Hamburg, Germany
Duration: 23 Jun 201426 Jun 2014

Conference

Conference22nd European International Biomass Conference
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityHamburg
Period23/06/1426/06/14

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  • Experimental validation of a predictive pyrolysis model in AspenPlus®

    Peters, J. F., Banks, S. W., Susmozas, A. & Dufour, J., 2014, Papers of the 22nd European Biomass Conference: setting the course for a biobased economy. Hoffman , C., Baxter, D., Maniatis, K. & et al (eds.). p. 1160-1163 4 p.

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

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