The use of hydrochar (HC) as the amendment is due to its content of carbon and micro- and macro-nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus). The main critical issue of HC use is the phytotoxicity occurrence, determined by both the biomass used for HC production and the thermochemical reactions (HTC). The HC is less stable than compost, considering the higher dynamic respirometric index (DRI, 3370 and 405 mgO2/kgVS*h), demonstrating higher content of easily degradable compounds, which could increase the microbial activity in the soil, resulting in anoxia. The data obtained from 13C NMR of HC showed a high content of DOM and a predominance of aliphatic over aromatic compounds. Thermal analysis confirms the difference between the products and reports a presence in HC of less thermal stable, low molecular weight compounds. The HYDRORG project "Methods of interaction between soil improvers and organic matter in the soil: the case of Hydrochar", aims to define the properties of compost and hydrochar mix (50:50 w/w), obtained from agro-industrial sludge, after a fast (30 days) aerobic stabilization in a passively aerated pile. 13C NMR analysis showed in the final product (MIX) the presence of compounds with a molecular weight lower than the compost, probably due to microbial biological transformation of organic compounds. DRI data (421 mgO2/kgSV*h), agronomic tests on lettuce germination and growth, and spectrophotometric and thermal analyses demonstrated the positive effect of fast aerobic HC post-treatment on phytotoxicity reduction. The final MIX shows good agronomic properties, thus suggesting its utilization as a “good quality” amendment.

Agronomic valorisation of hydrochar for soil fertility management

Zaccone C.;
2022-01-01

Abstract

The use of hydrochar (HC) as the amendment is due to its content of carbon and micro- and macro-nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus). The main critical issue of HC use is the phytotoxicity occurrence, determined by both the biomass used for HC production and the thermochemical reactions (HTC). The HC is less stable than compost, considering the higher dynamic respirometric index (DRI, 3370 and 405 mgO2/kgVS*h), demonstrating higher content of easily degradable compounds, which could increase the microbial activity in the soil, resulting in anoxia. The data obtained from 13C NMR of HC showed a high content of DOM and a predominance of aliphatic over aromatic compounds. Thermal analysis confirms the difference between the products and reports a presence in HC of less thermal stable, low molecular weight compounds. The HYDRORG project "Methods of interaction between soil improvers and organic matter in the soil: the case of Hydrochar", aims to define the properties of compost and hydrochar mix (50:50 w/w), obtained from agro-industrial sludge, after a fast (30 days) aerobic stabilization in a passively aerated pile. 13C NMR analysis showed in the final product (MIX) the presence of compounds with a molecular weight lower than the compost, probably due to microbial biological transformation of organic compounds. DRI data (421 mgO2/kgSV*h), agronomic tests on lettuce germination and growth, and spectrophotometric and thermal analyses demonstrated the positive effect of fast aerobic HC post-treatment on phytotoxicity reduction. The final MIX shows good agronomic properties, thus suggesting its utilization as a “good quality” amendment.
2022
978-88-940679-6-5
hydrochar, organic carbon, nutrient, phytotoxicity, amendment properties
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/1090112
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