Title:
From Farm to Land: Characteristics of Biochar for Agricultural Purposes
Author(s):
de Souza, D.M., Kappler, G., Bueno, A.B., da Silva, J.L., Modolo, R.C.E., Moraes, C.A.M., da Cruz Tarelho, L.A., Brehm, F.A.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
Agribusiness has a significant role in the life of billions of people and is an essential component in the economy of many countries. In Brazil agribusiness is one of the most prominent components in the economy and it accounted for 21% of the Gross Domestic Product in 2016. The soil is a non-renewable resource, and its adequate management becomes increasingly relevant to maintain its fertility and ensure the production of food to supply the population and industries in the food sector. The use of chemical fertilizers and mineral correctives is a requirement of modern agriculture and is practically indispensable for the management of crops. However, it is not an environmental friendly management technique method and may cause economic losses. On the other hand, there is an acknowledgment of nature-based solutions that contribute to improving soil quality while reducing the environmental burden from modern agrosystem. The choice for utilizing rice husk as biomass feedstock in this research is based on the current reality of Brazil, where there is an annual production of approximately 11.7 million tons of rice, from which around 20% become residue. Considering that Brazil has large areas of cultivation and that agriculture residues are still underutilized, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of biochar obtained from rice husk in the fertility of soil based on two parameters, which are porosity and water holding capacity. The conversion of agricultural residues into soil conditioners, i.e., closing the cycle of nutrients from farm to land, is an interesting option for sustainable resource management, which should also encompass the environmental, social and economic aspects.
Keywords:
agriculture, biomass, biochar, fertilizers
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass feedstock, residues and by-products
Event:
27th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BO.1.5
Pages:
76 - 79
ISBN:
978-88-89407-19-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/27thEUBCE2019-1BO.1.5
Price:
FREE
