Production and characterization of biochar obtained through an artisanal reactor

Background: This studyaims to produce and characterize biochar from four different feedstock biomasses using an artisanal reactor via slow pyrolysis at 300°C and 500°C. The primary objective is to evaluate the properties of biochar traditionally produced by farmers to assess its potential as a soil amendment for improving soil fertility and contributing to carbon sequestration. Methods: Biochar was produced from Vineyard (Vitis vinifera L.), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Banana (Musa spp.), and Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) biomass. The biochar samples were characterized through proximate and ultimate analysis, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), water-soluble nutrients, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pyrolysis was conducted at two different temperatures, 300°C and 500°C, to examine the effects of temperature on biochar properties. Results: Proximate analysis showed a decrease in volatile matter content with increased pyrolysis temperature, with TB ranging from 30.87% to 19.86%, VB from 33.26% to 14.01%, BB from 37.13% to 17.38%, and CB from 38.66% to 22.55%. Higher ash content in biochar was associated with lower fixed carbon values. VB had the lowest ash content (5.39%; 8.93%) and the highest fixed carbon values (58.01%; 73.03%), while CB had the highest ash content (23.92%; 32.48%) and the lowest fixed carbon values (33.05%; 40.82%). Biochar pH ranged from 8.13 to 10.01, and EC values were higher at 500°C, with CB having the highest EC values (4.92; 6.23). Biochar at 500°C contained higher levels of water-soluble nutrients. Conclusion: The study concludes that biochar properties vary significantly with feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature. Biochar produced at 500°C generally exhibited enhanced chemical properties, making it a promising soil amendment for improving soil fertility and carbon sequestration potential.