Nutrient release from switchgrass-derived biochar pellets embedded with fertilizers
2014
Kim, Pyoungchung | Hensley, Daniel | Labbé, Nicole
Biochar pellets produced by blending switchgrass biochar, lignin and fertilizers K and P together followed by pelletization were characterized and investigated for their ability to release K and P. Pellets processed at 180°C with increasing lignin content from 10 to 30wt.% had higher density, thermal stability and durability, and produced lower pore volume and smaller pore size than pellets processed at 105°C. Fertilizer-embedded biochar pellets with 10–30wt.% lignin and processed at 180°C had a slower K and P release than pellets dried at 105°C, with release rates (53–62% in K and 49–62% in P) within the first 24h followed by gradual releases (78–87% in K and 73–78% in P) for the next 18days. Therefore, by controlling lignin content and processing temperature of the pellets, one can control the release rate of nutrients present in biochar pellets.
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