Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar Workshop
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Sunday November 23rd, 2014
www.bio4climate.org
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar Workshop
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Sunday November 23rd, 2014
The document discusses various low-tech methods for producing biochar including:
1) Using metal drums, tin cans, steel sheets, or metal cones to contain fires and facilitate pyrolysis.
2) Top Light Up Draft (TLUD) systems that use draft to control oxygen flow and maximize biochar yield.
3) Open piles can also be used to produce biochar through slow pyrolysis.
Biocharcoal a new environmental technology to enhance agricultural produce and has environmental value. Do not pollute land as the chemical fertilizers do. A way to trap carbon.
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar: A Powerful Tool for Carbon Farminggabriellebastien
This document discusses the unique properties and effects of biochar. It explains that biochar is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, where half the carbon is stored stable in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar works to improve soil properties like moisture retention and nutrient availability. It also benefits microbial survival and plant-microbe interactions in the soil. The document provides figures illustrating the molecular changes that occur during biochar production and how it develops a porous structure.
This document discusses using biochar production as a biosecurity tool for managing invasive and infected plant biomass. It notes that traditional disposal methods waste resources and increase carbon emissions, while invasive plants harm the environment and economy. The aim is to use a mobile pyrolysis unit to produce biochar from cleared biomass on-site, reducing transportation costs and emissions while sequestering carbon and retaining nutrients. Preliminary results found the biochar reduced emissions compared to open burning and had potential for soil remediation without harming earthworms.
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition process that involves heating organic material in the absence of oxygen to produce biochar. Biochar is the solid product leftover after pyrolysis and contains carbon. Indigenous people in the Amazon used various methods of biochar production through pyrolysis centuries ago which helped develop dark, carbon-rich soils that improved agricultural productivity. Various low-tech methods can be used to make biochar, including metal drums, cans, sheets, furnaces, and matting which allow containment of organic materials during pyrolysis.
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar Workshop
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Sunday November 23rd, 2014
The document discusses various low-tech methods for producing biochar including:
1) Using metal drums, tin cans, steel sheets, or metal cones to contain fires and facilitate pyrolysis.
2) Top Light Up Draft (TLUD) systems that use draft to control oxygen flow and maximize biochar yield.
3) Open piles can also be used to produce biochar through slow pyrolysis.
Biocharcoal a new environmental technology to enhance agricultural produce and has environmental value. Do not pollute land as the chemical fertilizers do. A way to trap carbon.
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar: A Powerful Tool for Carbon Farminggabriellebastien
This document discusses the unique properties and effects of biochar. It explains that biochar is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, where half the carbon is stored stable in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar works to improve soil properties like moisture retention and nutrient availability. It also benefits microbial survival and plant-microbe interactions in the soil. The document provides figures illustrating the molecular changes that occur during biochar production and how it develops a porous structure.
This document discusses using biochar production as a biosecurity tool for managing invasive and infected plant biomass. It notes that traditional disposal methods waste resources and increase carbon emissions, while invasive plants harm the environment and economy. The aim is to use a mobile pyrolysis unit to produce biochar from cleared biomass on-site, reducing transportation costs and emissions while sequestering carbon and retaining nutrients. Preliminary results found the biochar reduced emissions compared to open burning and had potential for soil remediation without harming earthworms.
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition process that involves heating organic material in the absence of oxygen to produce biochar. Biochar is the solid product leftover after pyrolysis and contains carbon. Indigenous people in the Amazon used various methods of biochar production through pyrolysis centuries ago which helped develop dark, carbon-rich soils that improved agricultural productivity. Various low-tech methods can be used to make biochar, including metal drums, cans, sheets, furnaces, and matting which allow containment of organic materials during pyrolysis.
In this book, the author explained 9 simple methods of biochar production. These are low-cost technologies and anyone could adopt them with the least skills and knowledge. However, the yield of charcoal depends on the experience gained over a period.
Biochar is a solid material obtained from pyrolysis of biomass that can be used to improve soils and sequester carbon. It has three main benefits: 1) it sequesters carbon in soil for hundreds to thousands of years, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, 2) it improves soil structure and texture by increasing nutrient and water retention, and 3) it reduces emissions of greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide from soil. Biochar has potential to improve agricultural productivity in Pakistan by enhancing soil quality while also providing a tool for climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
This document discusses biomass and biogas. It provides three main classifications of biomass: agro-biomass from crop by-products and residues, forest biomass from plant residues in wooded areas, and wasteland biomass from unused cultivable land. Biomass can be directly combusted or converted to biofuel through thermal, chemical, or biochemical processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentation. Sources of biomass include municipal waste, agricultural waste, and wood residues. Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter and consists primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. There are different types of biogas digesters including balloon, fixed-dome, and floating-drum designs.
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced by heating organic matter such as wood or manure in low-oxygen conditions. It has a stable, porous structure that retains nutrients and improves soil properties like water retention and aggregation. Interest in biochar as a soil amendment stems from the discovery of fertile Dark Earth soils in the Amazon that were artificially enriched with charcoal by indigenous peoples. Research shows biochar can sequester carbon in soil for centuries while improving soil fertility and crop yields.
This document discusses different types of biomass resources and technologies for converting biomass into energy. It covers three categories of biomass: direct combustion of solid biomass, conversion to liquid fuels like ethanol and methanol, and production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. The technologies of gasification, pyrolysis, liquefaction, anaerobic digestion and fermentation for biomass conversion are described. Family-sized biogas plants, including the KVIC and fixed dome models, are also summarized.
This document provides an overview of biocomposting. It describes the three phases of composting (mesophilic, thermophilic, and curing), the key organisms involved (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, earthworms), materials used, and common composting methods like the Indore and Bangalore approaches. The benefits of composting are highlighted as improving soil quality by adding nutrients, improving soil structure, and enabling plant growth. In conclusion, composting is presented as an economically and environmentally sound waste management process.
The document discusses humic substances, their formation, nature, and properties. It describes humic substances as highly colloidal and amorphous natural organic matter with a large surface area and adsorptive capacity. Humic substances improve soil properties like structure, water retention and buffering capacity. Their formation is a complex biochemical process carried out by soil microorganisms. Different theories are presented to explain humus formation from plant and animal residues. Clay-humus complexes are also discussed, along with the processes of mineralization and immobilization of nitrogen in soil.
This document provides an agenda and information about a biochar workshop. The agenda includes an overview of what biochar is, its markets and uses, characteristics and benefits, comparison to other soil amendments, and opportunities for biochar in New York State. Additional sections discuss different feedstocks, methods for producing and applying biochar, and its potential benefits in agriculture, viticulture, dairy operations, and for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The document discusses home composting as a way to reduce organic waste sent to landfills. It describes the optimal conditions for composting, including maintaining temperatures between 43-65°C, a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30:1, moisture content between 40-65%, and adequate aeration. Bin composting systems are recommended for homes as they provide temperature control and reduce odors.
introduction about diffrent types of polymersParthSavani17
in this document diffrent types of natural polymer like coal, amber, cotton, rubber etc. introduction about the sepretly discussed about the which polymer
Climate Change, Adaptation, Natural Resource Mgmt - How Biochar Can HelpChiefCharista
This document discusses biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from biomass that can help mitigate and adapt to climate change. It provides an overview of biochar research, production methods, uses in agriculture, viticulture, renewable energy, and building materials. The document also outlines biochar's potential benefits for the environment, economy and society through carbon sequestration, waste upcycling, soil health and more. Opportunities for biochar in New York are identified such as in agriculture, green waste management, disaster recovery and treatment of invasive species.
potassium fixation in different clay mineralsBharathM64
This document discusses potassium fixation in different clay minerals. It explains that potassium fixation was first reported in 1887 and involves potassium penetrating between clay layers and becoming tightly held. The degree of potassium fixation varies between clay types, with vermiculite showing the highest fixation due to its high charge density and large interlayer space, followed by illite, montmorillonite, and kaolinite. Factors like charge density, interlayer space size, solution concentration, and presence of other cations can influence how much potassium is fixed within clay minerals. The practical implication is that fixed potassium contributes to long-term potassium availability in soils.
Biochar is a porous charcoal-like substance produced from biomass that has benefits for agriculture and the environment. It can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, reducing CO2 levels, while enhancing soil quality when used as a soil amendment. Biochar increases plant growth and nutrient density, decreases fertilizer needs, and reduces fertilizer runoff into waterways. Small-scale production is suitable but larger operations could utilize bio-oil byproducts for energy and upgrade them into industrial and transportation fuels. Ongoing studies are testing biochar's effects on plant growth.
BioCompost is the aerobic biodegradation of organic materials under controlled conditions to produce a rich humus-like material. Composting is differentiated from natural decomposition as it is a process controlled by humans to optimize conditions and ensure a smooth process and quality end product. Compost improves soil structure and fertility by supplying essential nutrients to plants and soil organisms while creating organic reserves that release nutrients over many years.
Biomass refers to organic material from living or recently living organisms. It includes various plant and animal residues that can be converted into bioenergy through processes like combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation. India has significant biomass potential due to its tropical climate and availability of residues from agriculture, forestry, and waste. While biomass is a renewable source of energy, its use also faces constraints like high costs of production and conversion as well as potential environmental impacts if not sustainably managed.
Biomass to bioenergy by thr thermochemical and biochemical pricessesAbhay jha
Pyrolysis,carbonization, gasification and biomass conversion into the bioenergy are described in these slides. There all types of pyrolysis and carbonization and gasification which are usable into the bioenergy processing.
The Earth Partners is a partnership between AES, an ecological restoration firm, and Brinkman, a reforestation company, focused on restoring degraded land through growing conservation biomass. Conservation biomass involves sustainably harvesting native species from marginal agricultural land to use as bioenergy feedstock while improving soil, water, and habitat. TEP will measure increases in soil carbon from land restoration projects to generate carbon credits. TEP has partnered with POET to supply conservation biomass to their solid fuel boiler, transforming marginal lands into environmental and economic benefits.
This document discusses biomass and hydrogen as sources of renewable energy. It defines biomass as fuel derived from living or recently living organisms, such as wood, crop residues, and garbage. Biomass energy is stored solar energy captured through photosynthesis. The document outlines various types of biomass including energy crops, crop residues, sustainably harvested wood, and municipal wastes. It also discusses various methods of producing energy from biomass like biogas from manure and landfill gas. The document then discusses hydrogen as an energy carrier that can be produced through electrolysis of water and used in fuel cells. It argues hydrogen fuel could revolutionize transportation and power generation with environmental benefits.
Jonathan Bates, Permaculturist, Co-Author of Paradise Lot
A neglected Holyoke house lot is re-born as a thriving edible forest garden with a wide variety of edible plants and trees. Jonathan Bates offers an overview of how he and his collaborator, Eric Toensmeier, applied principles of permaculture to transform their back and front yards, and how you can do it too.
Presented at the Urban and Suburban Carbon Farming to Reverse Global Warming conference at Harvard University on May 3, 2015, organized by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate.
www.bio4climate.org
Bruce Fulford, Owner, City Soil
The linkages between urban farms, conservation foundations, and municipalities can all reinforce the power of urban agriculture. Bruce Fulford describes creating agricultural land in an urban setting.
Presented at the Urban and Suburban Carbon Farming to Reverse Global Warming conference at Harvard University on May 3, 2015, organized by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate.
www.bio4climate.org
Biochar Stoves:The Commercialization and AdvantagesAmanda Ravenhill
Biochar stoves are an exciting new technology that reduce poverty, improve health, curb climate change, increase food security and decreas desertification.
How? Biochar stoves gasify waste biomass such as grass, husks or dried manure to produce heat for cooking. The charcoal byproduct, biochar, is a carbon-negative soil amendment that increases water and nutrient retention thus increasing soil’s adaptability to the extreme floods and droughts of climate change.
In this book, the author explained 9 simple methods of biochar production. These are low-cost technologies and anyone could adopt them with the least skills and knowledge. However, the yield of charcoal depends on the experience gained over a period.
Biochar is a solid material obtained from pyrolysis of biomass that can be used to improve soils and sequester carbon. It has three main benefits: 1) it sequesters carbon in soil for hundreds to thousands of years, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, 2) it improves soil structure and texture by increasing nutrient and water retention, and 3) it reduces emissions of greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide from soil. Biochar has potential to improve agricultural productivity in Pakistan by enhancing soil quality while also providing a tool for climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
This document discusses biomass and biogas. It provides three main classifications of biomass: agro-biomass from crop by-products and residues, forest biomass from plant residues in wooded areas, and wasteland biomass from unused cultivable land. Biomass can be directly combusted or converted to biofuel through thermal, chemical, or biochemical processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentation. Sources of biomass include municipal waste, agricultural waste, and wood residues. Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter and consists primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. There are different types of biogas digesters including balloon, fixed-dome, and floating-drum designs.
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced by heating organic matter such as wood or manure in low-oxygen conditions. It has a stable, porous structure that retains nutrients and improves soil properties like water retention and aggregation. Interest in biochar as a soil amendment stems from the discovery of fertile Dark Earth soils in the Amazon that were artificially enriched with charcoal by indigenous peoples. Research shows biochar can sequester carbon in soil for centuries while improving soil fertility and crop yields.
This document discusses different types of biomass resources and technologies for converting biomass into energy. It covers three categories of biomass: direct combustion of solid biomass, conversion to liquid fuels like ethanol and methanol, and production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. The technologies of gasification, pyrolysis, liquefaction, anaerobic digestion and fermentation for biomass conversion are described. Family-sized biogas plants, including the KVIC and fixed dome models, are also summarized.
This document provides an overview of biocomposting. It describes the three phases of composting (mesophilic, thermophilic, and curing), the key organisms involved (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, earthworms), materials used, and common composting methods like the Indore and Bangalore approaches. The benefits of composting are highlighted as improving soil quality by adding nutrients, improving soil structure, and enabling plant growth. In conclusion, composting is presented as an economically and environmentally sound waste management process.
The document discusses humic substances, their formation, nature, and properties. It describes humic substances as highly colloidal and amorphous natural organic matter with a large surface area and adsorptive capacity. Humic substances improve soil properties like structure, water retention and buffering capacity. Their formation is a complex biochemical process carried out by soil microorganisms. Different theories are presented to explain humus formation from plant and animal residues. Clay-humus complexes are also discussed, along with the processes of mineralization and immobilization of nitrogen in soil.
This document provides an agenda and information about a biochar workshop. The agenda includes an overview of what biochar is, its markets and uses, characteristics and benefits, comparison to other soil amendments, and opportunities for biochar in New York State. Additional sections discuss different feedstocks, methods for producing and applying biochar, and its potential benefits in agriculture, viticulture, dairy operations, and for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The document discusses home composting as a way to reduce organic waste sent to landfills. It describes the optimal conditions for composting, including maintaining temperatures between 43-65°C, a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30:1, moisture content between 40-65%, and adequate aeration. Bin composting systems are recommended for homes as they provide temperature control and reduce odors.
introduction about diffrent types of polymersParthSavani17
in this document diffrent types of natural polymer like coal, amber, cotton, rubber etc. introduction about the sepretly discussed about the which polymer
Climate Change, Adaptation, Natural Resource Mgmt - How Biochar Can HelpChiefCharista
This document discusses biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from biomass that can help mitigate and adapt to climate change. It provides an overview of biochar research, production methods, uses in agriculture, viticulture, renewable energy, and building materials. The document also outlines biochar's potential benefits for the environment, economy and society through carbon sequestration, waste upcycling, soil health and more. Opportunities for biochar in New York are identified such as in agriculture, green waste management, disaster recovery and treatment of invasive species.
potassium fixation in different clay mineralsBharathM64
This document discusses potassium fixation in different clay minerals. It explains that potassium fixation was first reported in 1887 and involves potassium penetrating between clay layers and becoming tightly held. The degree of potassium fixation varies between clay types, with vermiculite showing the highest fixation due to its high charge density and large interlayer space, followed by illite, montmorillonite, and kaolinite. Factors like charge density, interlayer space size, solution concentration, and presence of other cations can influence how much potassium is fixed within clay minerals. The practical implication is that fixed potassium contributes to long-term potassium availability in soils.
Biochar is a porous charcoal-like substance produced from biomass that has benefits for agriculture and the environment. It can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, reducing CO2 levels, while enhancing soil quality when used as a soil amendment. Biochar increases plant growth and nutrient density, decreases fertilizer needs, and reduces fertilizer runoff into waterways. Small-scale production is suitable but larger operations could utilize bio-oil byproducts for energy and upgrade them into industrial and transportation fuels. Ongoing studies are testing biochar's effects on plant growth.
BioCompost is the aerobic biodegradation of organic materials under controlled conditions to produce a rich humus-like material. Composting is differentiated from natural decomposition as it is a process controlled by humans to optimize conditions and ensure a smooth process and quality end product. Compost improves soil structure and fertility by supplying essential nutrients to plants and soil organisms while creating organic reserves that release nutrients over many years.
Biomass refers to organic material from living or recently living organisms. It includes various plant and animal residues that can be converted into bioenergy through processes like combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation. India has significant biomass potential due to its tropical climate and availability of residues from agriculture, forestry, and waste. While biomass is a renewable source of energy, its use also faces constraints like high costs of production and conversion as well as potential environmental impacts if not sustainably managed.
Biomass to bioenergy by thr thermochemical and biochemical pricessesAbhay jha
Pyrolysis,carbonization, gasification and biomass conversion into the bioenergy are described in these slides. There all types of pyrolysis and carbonization and gasification which are usable into the bioenergy processing.
The Earth Partners is a partnership between AES, an ecological restoration firm, and Brinkman, a reforestation company, focused on restoring degraded land through growing conservation biomass. Conservation biomass involves sustainably harvesting native species from marginal agricultural land to use as bioenergy feedstock while improving soil, water, and habitat. TEP will measure increases in soil carbon from land restoration projects to generate carbon credits. TEP has partnered with POET to supply conservation biomass to their solid fuel boiler, transforming marginal lands into environmental and economic benefits.
This document discusses biomass and hydrogen as sources of renewable energy. It defines biomass as fuel derived from living or recently living organisms, such as wood, crop residues, and garbage. Biomass energy is stored solar energy captured through photosynthesis. The document outlines various types of biomass including energy crops, crop residues, sustainably harvested wood, and municipal wastes. It also discusses various methods of producing energy from biomass like biogas from manure and landfill gas. The document then discusses hydrogen as an energy carrier that can be produced through electrolysis of water and used in fuel cells. It argues hydrogen fuel could revolutionize transportation and power generation with environmental benefits.
Jonathan Bates, Permaculturist, Co-Author of Paradise Lot
A neglected Holyoke house lot is re-born as a thriving edible forest garden with a wide variety of edible plants and trees. Jonathan Bates offers an overview of how he and his collaborator, Eric Toensmeier, applied principles of permaculture to transform their back and front yards, and how you can do it too.
Presented at the Urban and Suburban Carbon Farming to Reverse Global Warming conference at Harvard University on May 3, 2015, organized by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate.
www.bio4climate.org
Bruce Fulford, Owner, City Soil
The linkages between urban farms, conservation foundations, and municipalities can all reinforce the power of urban agriculture. Bruce Fulford describes creating agricultural land in an urban setting.
Presented at the Urban and Suburban Carbon Farming to Reverse Global Warming conference at Harvard University on May 3, 2015, organized by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate.
www.bio4climate.org
Biochar Stoves:The Commercialization and AdvantagesAmanda Ravenhill
Biochar stoves are an exciting new technology that reduce poverty, improve health, curb climate change, increase food security and decreas desertification.
How? Biochar stoves gasify waste biomass such as grass, husks or dried manure to produce heat for cooking. The charcoal byproduct, biochar, is a carbon-negative soil amendment that increases water and nutrient retention thus increasing soil’s adaptability to the extreme floods and droughts of climate change.
This is designed for conserving, reuse, recycle and utilizing water efficiently. There are several other benefits.. This system is designed by Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy
Michal Kravcik, "The New Water Paradigm"bio4climate
Michal Kravčík guides us through the concepts of the New Water Paradigm in greater detail, showing how water cycles can be supported to enhance local climates and biodiversity, and how this understanding can broaden and enhance our strategies for addressing climate change.
Presented at the Restoring Water Cycles to Reverse Global Warming October 16th-18th, 2015 at Tufts University.
Judy Schwartz "Water and Climate: An Overview"bio4climate
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Jennifer Lawrence - Practical Solutions for Urban Heat Island and Stormwater ...bio4climate
Jennifer Lawrence, Sustainability Planner for the City of Cambridge, speaks on the City’s ongoing Vulnerability Assessment on climate change, and some possible measures the City can take to improve its climate resilience.
Presented at the Urban and Suburban Carbon Farming to Reverse Global Warming conference at Harvard University on May 3, 2015, organized by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate.
www.bio4climate.org
The document discusses how human activities like population growth, resource use, pollution, and deforestation are straining the Earth's carrying capacity. It then focuses on indoor air quality issues, noting that poor indoor air can be more harmful than outdoor air and cause respiratory problems, especially for children. The document proposes using biochar bricks for green buildings as they emit far infrared radiation, sequester carbon, reduce indoor moisture, and are maintenance free for over 1000 years. It lists various biomass sources that can be used to make biochar including crop residue, cotton stalks, and Prosopis juliflora.
The document describes innovative methods for conserving water and nutrients for plants called biochar rootigation, biochar sapigation, and floatigation. Biochar rootigation involves placing biochar compost in pouches attached to plant roots or in pits surrounding roots. Biochar sapigation applies a layer of biochar powder to exposed sap wood to absorb water and nutrients. Floatigation grows plants on floats where water is absorbed through capillary action in biochar. These methods aim to reduce water and fertilizer loss by allowing plants to slowly take up precisely what they need.
A quick summary of results of experiments in open burn techniques to minimize smoke and maximize charcoal production. Experiments were conducted by volunteers over a 3 day period, November 15-17, 2013, outside of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Flame Carbonizers for Biochar In Practice and TheoryKelpie Wilson
You can make biochar with a simple cone or ring kiln, but how does it work? This presentation explains the principles behind flame carbonizing - using an open flame to produce charcoal from biomass.
This document summarizes a workshop on biochar production and uses. It discusses sources of biomass for biochar production, traditional and efficient methods of charcoal and biochar production, and applications of biochar including enhancing soil microbes, composting, mulching and increasing crop yields. The GSBC project is highlighted as an integrated approach implementing good stoves and biochar in rural India, facilitating the application of 7.5 tonnes of biochar across fields.
Biochar: Recycling Waste Biomass to its Highest Value Use - McLaughlinMassRecycle .
The document discusses converting biomass waste into biochar as a way to recycle biomass at its highest value use by sequestering carbon. It explains that pyrolysis converts biomass into biochar, which sequesters half the carbon from the biomass in a stable form for hundreds to thousands of years. However, regulations currently only permit small-scale, non-commercial production of biochar and the regulatory status remains undetermined.
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar: A Powerful Tool for Carbon Farmingbio4climate
Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar: A Powerful Tool for Carbon Farming
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Sunday November 23rd, 2014
www.bio4climate.org
1. Biochar is biomass burned in low-oxygen environments and can help Cambodia in several ways. It can be used as an energy source through small-scale gasification stoves or large-scale gasification for rice mills, saving on fuel costs.
2. Biochar can improve soils as a soil amendment, similarly to ancient Terra Preta soils in the Amazon which were very fertile for hundreds of years due to biochar additions. Slash-and-char agriculture can immediately condition soils for crop growth.
3. Using biochar locks carbon from the atmosphere in soils for a long time, reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change, which affects Cambodia despite its low emissions. Gasification
This document provides information on topics related to ecology and evolution. It begins by defining key terms in ecology such as ecology, ecosystem, population, community, species, and habitat. It then describes autotrophs and heterotrophs, including consumers, detritivores, and saprotrophs. Food chains and food webs are explained. The document also covers trophic levels, energy flow through ecosystems, and shapes of pyramids of energy. Other topics include nutrient cycling, the enhanced greenhouse effect, population growth curves, limiting factors to population growth, and evidence for evolution such as the fossil record, selective breeding, and homologous structures.
Biogeochemical cycles are essential for life on Earth. They involve the movement of chemicals through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Carbon and nitrogen cycles are driven by photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, while phosphorus lacks a gaseous phase. These cycles are threatened by climate change, land use change, and other human impacts that could disrupt the flows of essential elements.
This document discusses ecology and the enhanced greenhouse effect. It defines key ecological terms like ecosystem, population, community, species, habitat, autotrophs, heterotrophs, trophic levels, and food webs. It explains how light energy enters ecosystems and is transferred between trophic levels, and how nutrients must be recycled. It then discusses the greenhouse effect, how human activities like fossil fuel use and deforestation enhance this effect, and the potential consequences of climate change like sea level rise and species displacement. Finally, it outlines some actions that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions and artificially sequester carbon.
Soil organic carbon plays a key role in soil health and fertility. It is an important component of soil organic matter, comprising 5% of average soil composition. Soil organic matter improves soil structure, increases the soil's water holding capacity, and serves as a "nutrient fund" by regulating the release of nutrients for plant uptake. Maintaining or increasing soil organic carbon levels is important for sustaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change, as soils can sequester atmospheric carbon through conservation practices that promote the buildup of soil organic matter over time.
1. Carbon dioxide is incorporated into organic compounds by autotrophs through photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. These compounds provide nutrients for heterotrophs.
2. Upon death, heterotrophs decompose organic matter and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.
3. Carbon is also removed from the cycle when it is incorporated into calcium carbonate and fossil fuels. The carbon cycle is essential for life and involves the exchange of carbon between living organisms and the nonliving environment.
The document discusses how the biosphere acts as a life support system and provides goods and services. It focuses on rainforests, describing their structure and role in regulating carbon and the hydrological cycle. Rainforests store large amounts of carbon, provide many goods and services, and are important for soil health and nutrient cycling due to their role in nitrogen fixation and biomass production.
I didn't make this powerpoint, this is from my IB Biology teacher but it's one of the only topics I actually really enjoyed sooo I'm putting it up, ^_^
This is the Powerpoint presentation that typically is shown in my two hour biochar presentation. It covers all six steps required to reestablish this nearly lost art/science fusion.
Stewardship of Natural Resources 8.10.09guestcf72b2
The document discusses carbon sequestration in soils and its importance. It notes that carbon dioxide can be stored in soils through certain agricultural practices, but that rising temperatures threaten to release stored carbon. Adopting practices that build up carbon in soils over 40-50 years could help mitigate climate change. The document outlines how carbon is essential to soil health, plant growth, and all life, and explains the potential of different agricultural practices to sequester carbon in kilograms per hectare per year.
The document discusses carbon sequestration in soils and its importance. It notes that carbon dioxide can be stored in soils through certain agricultural practices, but that rising temperatures threaten to release stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Adopting practices that build up carbon in soils over 40-50 years could help mitigate climate change by storing carbon long-term in the ground.
The document discusses biogeochemical cycles and focuses on the carbon cycle. It defines biogeochemical cycles as pathways that move chemical substances through biotic and abiotic parts of Earth. It describes the carbon cycle, noting that carbon is recycled through photosynthesis, respiration, and the decomposition of organic matter, moving between the atmosphere, organisms, oceans, soils, and fossil fuels. It explains how human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are disrupting the carbon cycle and leading to issues like global warming.
This document discusses different types of oxidation ponds used to treat wastewater through natural biological processes. There are four main types: aerobic ponds which use algae and bacteria to treat water and are shallow; anaerobic ponds which do not require oxygen and break down waste through methane production; facultative ponds which contain both aerobic and anaerobic zones; and maturation ponds which further treat effluent to remove pathogens. Together, these pond systems provide effective wastewater treatment through natural microbial activity and sunlight.
The document discusses the critical state of the Earth in 2019, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and extinction risks. It argues that sustainability is not possible without transformative change, and that protecting and restoring biodiversity through measures like halting forest destruction, protecting half of lands/oceans, and restoring degraded ecosystems is key to maintaining a livable climate. Specifically, restoring water cycles through practices like wetland protection is important as carbon follows the water and biodiversity is needed to support healthy water and carbon cycles. The document calls for a shift to prioritizing nature in decision-making to transition to a net carbon sink status through these transformative conservation and restoration measures.
Coir pith is a byproduct of the coconut husk processing industry. Large quantities of coir pith are produced annually but were previously considered waste. However, coir pith can be converted into valuable compost through microbial degradation. The document discusses the microbial conversion process of coir pith into compost and the various value-added products that can be created from coir pith such as coir fiber, coir grow bags, and coir pith compost. Coir pith compost has benefits for soil structure and plant growth.
Edexcel IGCSE - Human Biology - Chapter 14 - Human influences on the environmentChandima Walpita Gamage
This document discusses ecosystems and human influences on the environment. It defines ecosystems and their key components like producers, consumers, and decomposers. It explains photosynthesis and how plants convert glucose for storage, transport, and growth. Food chains and webs show feeding relationships between trophic levels in an ecosystem. Ecological pyramids represent these relationships. The document also covers human waste treatment like sewage systems and pit latrines. It discusses pollution issues like eutrophication from excess nutrients and air pollution from carbon emissions. Reforestation helps address problems caused by deforestation.
Similar to Hugh McLaughlin - Biochar Workshop (20)
Foster Brown, "Maintaining Forest Cover and Biodiversity in Amazonia"bio4climate
This document summarizes a presentation given in 2015 on changing water and fire cycles in Southwestern Amazonia. It discusses how the region experienced severe droughts in 2005 and 2010 that led to widespread forest fires. It then describes how massive flooding affected the region from 2009-2015, with entire cities being declared in states of emergency every year for flooding. The document analyzes where all this water came from and discusses the impacts on communities. It argues that restoring small water cycles in the region through efforts like reforestation could help reverse these climate trends and global warming.
Jim Laurie, "Closing the Nutrient Loop: Creating Abundant Clean Water"bio4climate
Jim Laurie has used natural biological processes to turn some of the most toxic and polluted effluent around – both sewage and industrial waste – into clean, clear water.
Presented at the Restoring Water Cycles to Reverse Global Warming conference October 16th-18th, 2015 at Tufts University.
www.bio4climate.org
Applied Ecological Services is an environmental restoration company that has been providing sustainable solutions for over 35 years. They specialize in restoring degraded landscapes such as rivers, coastal environments, and watersheds. Their projects aim to restore the natural functions of ecosystems by reestablishing soil carbon levels, water cycles, biodiversity, and improving human relationships with the land. They have completed over 9,000 restoration projects worldwide.
Scott Horsley, "From Gray to Green Infrastructure"bio4climate
This document discusses green infrastructure approaches for ecosystem and water resources restoration, including alternative cul-de-sacs, stormwater planters that provide pollutant uptake and peak flow reduction, and bioswales in rights-of-way. It also references NYC green infrastructure design criteria and shows photos of preserved historic roads and a water table map with groundwater flow arrows. The presentation encourages the use of green infrastructure as an alternative to traditional infrastructure development.
Michal Kravcik, "The New Water Reality"bio4climate
Innovative Slovakian hydrologist Michal Kravčík gives an introduction to his New Water Paradigm and the critical importance of regional or “small” rainwater cycles. The result is a set of empowering ecological concepts that enable people everywhere to secure clean and adequate water, prevent floods and drought and moderate local climate, simply by harvesting rainfall. Since the 1990s he has demonstrated these concepts in his native Slovakia.
Presented at the Restoring Water Cycles to Reverse Global Warming conference October 16th-18th, 2015 at Tufts University.
Will Mitchell, Founder of Tenleytown Meat Companybio4climate
Will Mitchell, Founder of Tenleytown Meat Company, from "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming" conference in Washington, D.C. September 26, 2015.
Precious Phiri: "Holistic Management in Practice: The Ecological, Economic, a...bio4climate
Precious Phiri, Founding Director of EarthWisdom Consulting Company, from "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming" conference in Washington, D.C. September 26, 2015.
Adam Sacks: "The Other Side of the Climate Change Equation"bio4climate
Adam Sacks, Executive Director of Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, from "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming" conference in Washington, D.C. September 26, 2015.
Lynn Margulis - Meetup Presentation by Jim Lauriebio4climate
Our restoration ecologist Jim Laurie shares some of the revolutionary ideas developed by Lynn Margulis on the deep relationship among microbes, and all life including humans. Join us as we explore the importance of microbial activity to restoring ecosystems and reversing global warming.
Meetup hosted by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate on Sunday, June 14th, 2015. Learn more about our organization at www.bio4climate.org.
Improving the viability of probiotics by encapsulation methods for developmen...Open Access Research Paper
The popularity of functional foods among scientists and common people has been increasing day by day. Awareness and modernization make the consumer think better regarding food and nutrition. Now a day’s individual knows very well about the relation between food consumption and disease prevalence. Humans have a diversity of microbes in the gut that together form the gut microflora. Probiotics are the health-promoting live microbial cells improve host health through gut and brain connection and fighting against harmful bacteria. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the two bacterial genera which are considered to be probiotic. These good bacteria are facing challenges of viability. There are so many factors such as sensitivity to heat, pH, acidity, osmotic effect, mechanical shear, chemical components, freezing and storage time as well which affects the viability of probiotics in the dairy food matrix as well as in the gut. Multiple efforts have been done in the past and ongoing in present for these beneficial microbial population stability until their destination in the gut. One of a useful technique known as microencapsulation makes the probiotic effective in the diversified conditions and maintain these microbe’s community to the optimum level for achieving targeted benefits. Dairy products are found to be an ideal vehicle for probiotic incorporation. It has been seen that the encapsulated microbial cells show higher viability than the free cells in different processing and storage conditions as well as against bile salts in the gut. They make the food functional when incorporated, without affecting the product sensory characteristics.
Evolving Lifecycles with High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) and 3-D...Joshua Orris
The incorporation of a 3DCSM and completion of HRSC provided a tool for enhanced, data-driven, decisions to support a change in remediation closure strategies. Currently, an approved pilot study has been obtained to shut-down the remediation systems (ISCO, P&T) and conduct a hydraulic study under non-pumping conditions. A separate micro-biological bench scale treatability study was competed that yielded positive results for an emerging innovative technology. As a result, a field pilot study has commenced with results expected in nine-twelve months. With the results of the hydraulic study, field pilot studies and an updated risk assessment leading site monitoring optimization cost lifecycle savings upwards of $15MM towards an alternatively evolved best available technology remediation closure strategy.
Optimizing Post Remediation Groundwater Performance with Enhanced Microbiolog...Joshua Orris
Results of geophysics and pneumatic injection pilot tests during 2003 – 2007 yielded significant positive results for injection delivery design and contaminant mass treatment, resulting in permanent shut-down of an existing groundwater Pump & Treat system.
Accessible source areas were subsequently removed (2011) by soil excavation and treated with the placement of Emulsified Vegetable Oil EVO and zero-valent iron ZVI to accelerate treatment of impacted groundwater in overburden and weathered fractured bedrock. Post pilot test and post remediation groundwater monitoring has included analyses of CVOCs, organic fatty acids, dissolved gases and QuantArray® -Chlor to quantify key microorganisms (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, etc.) and functional genes (e.g., vinyl chloride reductase, methane monooxygenase, etc.) to assess potential for reductive dechlorination and aerobic cometabolism of CVOCs.
In 2022, the first commercial application of MetaArray™ was performed at the site. MetaArray™ utilizes statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and multivariate analysis to provide evidence that reductive dechlorination is active or even that it is slowing. This creates actionable data allowing users to save money by making important site management decisions earlier.
The results of the MetaArray™ analysis’ support vector machine (SVM) identified groundwater monitoring wells with a 80% confidence that were characterized as either Limited for Reductive Decholorination or had a High Reductive Reduction Dechlorination potential. The results of MetaArray™ will be used to further optimize the site’s post remediation monitoring program for monitored natural attenuation.
Kinetic studies on malachite green dye adsorption from aqueous solutions by A...Open Access Research Paper
Water polluted by dyestuffs compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent chemical and Physical system from an algae, chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle and impregnated with algae with chitosan nanocomposite for the sorption of Malachite green dye from water. The algae with chitosan nanocomposite by a simple method and used as a recyclable and effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Algae, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle and algae with chitosan nanocomposite were characterized using different physicochemical methods. The functional groups and chemical compounds found in algae, chitosan, chitosan algae, chitosan nanoparticle, and chitosan nanoparticle with algae were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGADTA/DTG techniques. The optimal adsorption conditions, different dosages, pH and Temperature the amount of algae with chitosan nanocomposite were determined. At optimized conditions and the batch equilibrium studies more than 99% of the dye was removed. The adsorption process data matched well kinetics showed that the reaction order for dye varied with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of the algae with chitosan nanocomposite toward malachite green dye reached as high as 15.5mg/g, respectively. Finally, multiple times reusing of algae with chitosan nanocomposite and removing dye from a real wastewater has made it a promising and attractive option for further practical applications.
2. Despite their artistic pretensions,
sophistication, and many
accomplishments, humans owe
their existence to a six-inch layer
of topsoil and the fact that it rains.
– anonymous
3.
4.
5. Theories for Ancient Practices
• Prior to steel axes, fire was the main tool for
modifying the landscape and clearing land
• Staple crops tend toward starches, which
require significant potassium and phosphates –
which have to be added for sustained field
productivity (and this field was a lot of work)
• Field preparation by transporting water
vegetation, like palm leaves, then “cool
burning” to release fertilizers into soil
6.
7.
8.
9. This is the tree as it grows.
About one half of the carbon
dioxide uptake results in
additional carbon atoms in
biomass
This is when biomass dies
and becomes detritus: such
as leaves and tree death
This is due to microbial
breakdown of dead biomass –
95% in one to twenty years
10. 200 CO2
200 C
<100CO2>
100C
Fate of Reduced “Fixed” Carbon
- After the plant takes care of
energy requirements of procuring a
balanced diet, the excess carbon is
directed to seeds, biomass growth or
stored as sugars for the next season.
- Sugars are excreted into the soil
biota in exchange for plant nutrients
(NPK and micro-nutrients).
- If NPK are available, the plant
does not “waste” sugars on soil.
microbes and puts that carbon into
plant priorities = more plant growth
-Without plant sugars, soil microbes
attack each other and soil carbon
decreases, leading to sterile soil.
11. Pyrolysis and Carbonization
convert biomass into biochar:
one half of the carbon atoms
are released as volatiles and
one half converted to biochar
The volatiles contain carbon
atoms that the tree removed
from the atmosphere as it
grew = carbon neutral
A minority of biochar is
slowly oxidized by soil
microbes; the majority
is stable for hundreds
to thousands of years
<10CO2>
40C remains in
stable in the soil
200 CO2
50C
<50CO2>
17. Pyrolysis & Carbonization Reactions of Wood
@300C: Below = Torrefied Wood Above = charcoal & biochar
Hemicellulose Lignin Cellulose
D
Extensive
Devolatilisation
and
carbonisation
(E)
Limited
devolatilisation
and
carbonisation (D)
depolymerisation
and
recondensation
(C)
drying (A)
E
D
C
A
E
D
C
A
glass transition/
softening (B)
300
250
200
150
100
Temperature (°C)
Hemicellulose Lignin Cellulose
300
250
200
150
100
Temperature (°C)
TORREFACTION
19. Amorphous Graphite = Domains of Graphene
From page
8
Figure 3: Development of local Graphene domains during carbonization
20. Page 3 of J. Phys.: Condensed Matter 19 (2007)
9
Figure 4: Development of porous 3-dimension structure during carbonization
21. Figure 1: Yield and Adsorption Capacity of Lab Chars
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Heat treatment temperature Celsius
Char yield as wt % of dry biomass
0%
Adsorption capacity as wt % R134a at 100C
Yield
Ads @ 100C
22.
23. Pivotal Biochar properties:
Short-term Effects are due primarily to
• Ash Content – due to pH impact
• Mobile Matter – due to stimulating parasitic soil
microbes, which compete for nitrogen, but
sometimes any microbes are better than none
Long-term Effects are attributed to only the
• Resident Matter – because it
• Adds Volume with high porosity to the soil
• Increases Cation Exchange Capacity
• Introduces significant Adsorption Capacity
24. How does Biochar work in the Soil?
• Biochar works in conjunction with the
existing soil, crop and climate.
• Biochar helps “soil” go back to being soil.
• Improved Moisture Dynamics – high & low
• Improved Nutrient Retention (N, P, K)
• Improved Microbe survival during drought
• Improved Plant-Microbe synergisms
25. This begs the question:
How does Resident Matter accomplish
the following in the Soil?
• Improved Moisture Dynamics – high & low
• Improved Nutrient Retention (N, P, K)
• Improved Microbe survival during drought
• Improved Plant-Microbe synergisms
- and why does it depend on Biochar
Porosity, CEC and Adsorption?
26. How does Resident Matter accomplish
the following in the Soil?
• Improved Moisture Dynamics – high & low
Two different moisture regimes,
with three different mechanisms:
– High moisture in tight soils (flooding in clays)
– High moisture in loose soils (flooding in sand)
– Low moisture in all soils
• desiccating or drought conditions
27. - applies to all micro-porous media including chars
- Also Bulk Density or the box of corn flakes
- this is the density of the individual corn flakes
-this is the density of the corn flake “molecules”
or the corn flake skeleton without vapor volume
28. Calculating the “density, porosity, voidage”
of a typical biochar (a good one…)
• Apparent Density = 250 kg/cubic meter
• Skeletal Density = 1500 kg/ cubic meter
– Skeleton = 250/1500 = 1/6 cubic meter
– Total voidage = 1 – 1/6 = 5/6 cubic meter
• Assuming 1/3 inter-particle voids
– Space between particles = 1/3 cubic meter
– Space inside particles = 5/6 – 1/3 = 1/2 m3
29. Summary: Biochar is 83% voidage and
17% graphitic skeleton
• 33% of the volume is between particles –
this improves soil drainage and aeration
• 50% of the volume is inside particles – this
volume is available to store bulk water
This available volume improves overall soil
properties during excess moisture
– but what about desiccating soil conditions?
That requires ADsorption of the moisture
35. How does Resident Matter accomplish
the following in the Soil?
• Improved Nutrient Retention (N, P, K)
This is the CEC = Cation Exchange Capacity property
Biochar has both Cation and Anion Exchange capacity
- Exchange Capacity is due to non-graphitic organic
side chains, oxidized to organic acid functionalities
and organic bases due to bound nitrogen molecules
- Adsorption of Humic Acids also increases EC
36. How does Resident Matter accomplish
the following in the Soil?
• Improved Microbe survival during drought
• Improved Plant-Microbe synergisms
Microbes need two things to survive: food and water
- Biochar adsorbs water and water soluble
organics via isotherms – and desorbs them when
background levels are below “equilibrium”
37. Freshly made Biochar is like raw Ground Beef;
is it food? – not yet
Steps to preparing biochar for optimal soil benefit: C-C-I
- Conditioning: equilibrate with soil moisture properties
- pH effects, total dissolved solids (salts), liming
- desorb soluble sugars and other mobile matter
- Charging: equilibrate with soil fertilizer levels
- in balance with annual fertilizer fluxes
- Inoculating: Biasing the Soil Microbial Populations
- this may not be necessary or even work
All of which happens during composting or given enough time
39. Options for obtaining Biochar
• You can buy it – but from who?
– Some charcoals are good biochars, some are
BAD – and all need to be tested
• You can make it
– For “gardening”, TLUDs work best
– The other approach is “Retort” processes
– Equipment is coming to the market – slowly
• Example: Adam Retort – about 350 kg/batch
40. How does wood burn?
• Wood, consists of hemicellulose, cellulose and
lignin
– Hemicellulose gasifies at 250 – 300C
– Cellulose splits into char and volatiles between 300C
and 450C
– Lignin splits into char and volatiles between 300C and
750C
– Volatilization cools the remaining solid, but the gases
burn and generate radiant heat (yellow to blue light)
– Eventually, oxygen can react with the remaining char to
make CO2, H2O and ash, plus more heat (red light)
– Putting it all together, we have:
41.
42. Figure 1: Yield and Adsorption Capacity of Lab Chars
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Heat treatment temperature Celsius
Char yield as wt % of dry biomass
0%
Adsorption capacity as wt % R134a at 100C
Yield
Ads @ 100C
43.
44.
45.
46.
47. Any Volunteers for running a Earth mound Kiln?
H-1.Charcoal burners were a strange breed, living a
lonely life in the forest, like wild beasts… At its best,
making charcoal was not for any normal human. The
time required for charring a small mound varied from
one to two weeks, but with mounds 30 feet or more
round, a month was average. During all that time,
through every kind of weather, the charcoal maker lived
with his mound, sleeping only in dozes for fear a flame
might start and explode into a full fire which would
demolish the mound. There was no time for washing;
there was seldom more shelter than a bark lean-to.
57. Larger than TLUDs, appropriate for
home gardeners and consuming small
amounts of scrap wood or “forestry
slash” are:
• Two Barrel Retorts
• Double Barrel Twin Keg Retorts
• Jack Daniel’s Rickyard Technology
61. Commercial operations require larger
equipment and regulatory approval:
• Adam-style Retorts
• This is a developmental “Chicken or
the Egg” – Nobody makes them
because nobody wanted them