Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Characterisation of biochar derived from shea waste through slow pyrolysis

¹University of Cape Coast, Dept. of Soil Science, Ghana
²Presbyterian Agriculture Services, Development and Social Services, Ghana

Abstract

The insurgence of population growth has Ghana dealing with waste management issues. The demand for some produce coupled with production is one major cause for waste generation. These waste generated end up in built up landfills or in some instances pile up in unapproved locations creating nuisances in the communities. This is a case in Ghana. Soils in Ghana has over the years been recorded to be poor and thus, makes agriculture intensification in the country largely dependent on chemical fertilisation (inorganic) which is not easily accessible to farmers due to its high cost and limited quantity. These issues however, can be addressed through the conversion of waste into Biochar to improve soil quality and to serve as carbon sink. The objectives of this study were to: Produce biochar from SW feed stock (SWB): To evaluate some physico – chemical properties of the SWB relevant to soil health under different temperature regimes (surface function group analysis. pH. electrical conductivity, ash, bulk density and yield). Results showed that the pH of the SWB fell within the neutral range of 6.8 at 350 °C to 13 at 700 °C. These pH values obtained makes the SWB suitable for both acidic and alkaline soil remediation. The surface functional group examination was done using the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR). The NMR analysis clearly displayed how the introduction of the heat on the feedstock during the pyrolysis decreased the relative proportions of the functional groups. The surface functional group was composed of oxygen at 700 °C, which is good and helps to reduce nutrient leaching by enhancing the cation and anion exchange capacities in soils. Bulk density range was within 1.26 to 1.01 g/cm³. The organic carbon content reached 58% at 700 °C indicating the tendency of SWB to increases soil CEC. This study suggests the positive potentials of SWB application on soil fertility and quality enhancement.

Keywords: Biochar, shea butter, soil fertility, soil quality, waste

Contact Address: Angela Lartey-Young, University of Cape Coast, Dept. of Soil Science, Cape Coast, Ghana, e-mail: angela.arthurucc.edu.gh