Development of A Field-Scale Biochar Kiln: Design, Fabrication, And Biochar Characterization

Abstract

The accumulation of biomass waste from agricultural and forest processing sectors poses a significant ecological challenge, often leading to anaerobic decomposition release of potent greenhouse gases such as methane. This investigation demonstrates a sustainable waste-management approach via fabricating a farm-scale, low-cost, portable biochar kiln. The system replicates the controlled environment tubular furnace, also by eliminating the need for an external inert gas supply. The waste generated at the agricultural farm level is used as a biomass, and the decayed forest residue as an energy source/fuel. In this study, tender coconut waste was utilized as a primary biomass/feedstock, and the elm wood was employed as a self-sustaining energy source. The present technology provides a dual product stream, via producing biochar and charcoal, by facilitating an effective thermal conversion. The yield of the biochar and charcoal was investigated at 44.04% and 39.9%, respectively. The analytical characterization was carried out with SEM, FTIR, XRD, contact angle, and Raman spectra. The produced biochar exhibited a porous structure, presence of active sites for nutrient interactions, superhydrophobic nature, and mineral content with good graphitic structure. The tender coconut waste-derived biochar from the biochar kiln produced a good-quality biochar that can be utilized in agricultural practices, and a high-grade charcoal was obtained that can be used for local purposes, establishing a decentralized economic framework that empowers local communities and farmers to promote sustainable agricultural frontiers. This study demonstrated that the fabricated biochar kiln is effective, scalable, and economically viable in producing biochar, with significant implications for agro and forest waste valorisation, soil health improvement, and climate change mitigation