Comparative characterization of biochar derived from diverse biological waste sources

Abstract

The use of biochar as a soil amendment has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to enhance the chemical, physical and biological properties of agricultural soils. This study aimed to evaluate the physical andchemical characteristics of biochar produced from three different feedstocks: maize cob rind, Prosopis wood and coconutshells. Regardless of the source material, all biochar samples contained essential nutrients required for crop growth. However, the concentration of these nutrients varied depending on the type of feedstock and the pyrolysis temperatureused during production. The biochars were alkaline in nature, with pH values ranging from 8.15 to 9.05. Electrical conductivity(EC) values ranged from 1.72 to 2.72 dS m-1. Among the tested materials, Prosopis biochar exhibited the highest concentrationsof total carbon, C:N ratio, 124.17, Nitrogen (0.63%), phosphorus (0.37%), potassium (2.43%), magnesium (1.20%), sulphur (0.29%), iron (252 mg kg-1), manganese (372.10 mg kg-1), zinc (30.10 mg kg-1) and copper (34.20 mg kg-1). Incontrast, the highest calcium (1.60%) content was observed in coconut shell biochar, followed by Prosopis biochar andmaize cob rind biochar.