Pryloysis of Coffee Husks for Biochar Production
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Environmental Protection
Abstract
Effective utilization of coffee wastes has been a great challenge in Uganda despite their wider use to replenish soil organic matter. This study explored the possibility of producing biochar from coffee husks that could be used as a soil amendment for replenishing soil nutrients and also for enhancement of soil water holding capacity. Pyrolysis of coffee husks was done in a batch
bio-reactor under slow pyrolysis conditions of temperatures 350˚C - 550˚C and residence times 30 - 60 min. For easy characterization, biochar was grinded, sieved through a 1 mm sieve and then analyzed using a computerized Thermo Graphic Analyzer with an inbuilt and integrated ELTRA 84 GmbH Precision Digital weighing scale. Proximate analysis (wet basis) of biochar gave a moisture content of 5.2%, ash content of 14.7%, volatile matter of 13.2% and fixed carbon of 66.9%. Biochar was applied to soil at different rates (0%, 5%, 10% and 20% w/w) and its effect on water holding capacity was investigated. Results show that biochar amended soils had higher water holding capacity (p ≤ 0.05) compared to biochar free soils. The water holding capacity also increased with increase in biochar amendment with a 1.5% increase in soil water holding capacity for each 1% increase in biochar application rate. Biochar was also rich in soil nutrient elements with 0.96% N, 0.39% P and 1.97% K; this increased the availability of soil nutrients for crop growth. The results suggest that biochar could be a better tool to improve soil
conditions thus enhancing the sustainability of agriculture.
Description
Keywords
Coffee Husks, pryloysis, Biochar, Soil Organic Matter, Soil Nutrients
Citation
Kiggundu, N. and Sittamukyoto, J. (2019) Pryloysis of Coffee Husks for Biochar Production. Journal of Environmental Protection, 10, 1553-1564. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2019.1012092