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Biochar from Biomass
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Biochar from Biomass

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 February 2022) | Viewed by 13988

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Daniel W. McCollum

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
Interests: natural resource and environmental economics; bioenergy; biochar; social and economic aspects of biomass utilization and the national forests; measurement of value or benefits received from natural resource utilization

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

We invite submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the topic "Biochar from Biomass." The Special Issue addresses challenges and opportunities for using biomass to produce biochar and using both the production process and the biochar to benefit natural resources, users, and society.

Utilizing woody biomass to produce value-added products, especially from residual materials of biomass removal and wood processing, enhances the feasibility of accomplishing biomass removal and forest treatment projects. Products that can be produced from woody biomass include: (1) biochar, with applications as a soil amendment and precursor for secondary carbon products including activated carbon; (2) synthesis gas (or syngas) with potential for energy production and as a feedstock for liquid fuels and various chemicals; and (3) bio-oil with potential for use as heating oil, transportation fuel, or chemical feedstocks. Heat is a coproduct of the reaction and can be put to a variety of uses including space/facility heating, kiln drying, heat treatment, among others. Furthermore, heat or syngas can be used to produce electricity.

Several applications (i.e., markets) for biochar exist including (among others): (1) As a soil amendment, biochar’s properties enhance soil productivity and facilitate plant growth to reduce erosion and restore compacted, degraded, and toxic soils. (2) For its horticultural and nursery applications, akin to biochar’s potential as a soil amendment. (3) As a stable form of carbon that remains in the soil for hundreds or thousands of years, thus sequestering carbon.

Additionally: (1) Biochar and its coproducts offer opportunities for wood product manufacturers to operate more sustainably by converting mill residues into complementary or additional products leading to diversified revenue streams. (2) Utilization of forest biomass can facilitate accomplishment of treatment objectives on more sites by providing a market for residuals, thus transforming disposal costs into potential revenue streams. (3) Forest biomass occurs largely in rural areas. Hence, it provides economic opportunities in rural communities, many of which have lost jobs, income, and population as a result of changes in the forest products industry. (4) More complete utilization of forest and mill residues offers nonmarket and social benefits, such as reductions in greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions, reductions in forest fuels, and improved forest health. (5) Utilization of residual biomass for energy production and as precursors to carbon-based chemical synthesis can offset use of fossil fuels.

While the discussion above centers on forest-based biomass, it is equally relevant for agriculture or any enterprise having an excess of woody biomass such as landfills, municipal woody debris collection sites, etc. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following keywords:

  • biochar
  • woody biomass
  • utilization
  • coproducts
  • residual material
  • forest management
  • rural development
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • ecosystem services
  • carbon sequestration
  • forest health
  • restoration
  • healthy soils
  • demand, supply
  • feedstock
  • community resilience
  • sustainability

Dr. Daniel W. McCollum
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biochar
  • woody biomass
  • utilization
  • coproducts
  • residual material
  • forest management
  • rural development
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • ecosystem services
  • carbon sequestration
  • forest health
  • restoration
  • healthy soils
  • demand, supply
  • feedstock
  • community resilience
  • sustainability

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 716 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Determinants for Biochar Deployment in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
by Peter Msumali Rogers, Mathias Fridahl, Pius Yanda, Anders Hansson, Noah Pauline and Simon Haikola
Energies 2022, 15(1), 144; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15010144 - 26 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2909
Abstract
Biochar may contribute to both agricultural productivity and atmospheric carbon dioxide removal. However, despite the many potential upsides of adding biochar to amend carbon-depleted soils in sub-Saharan Africa, deployment is largely lacking. This paper explores the socio-economic factors that can explain tendencies to [...] Read more.
Biochar may contribute to both agricultural productivity and atmospheric carbon dioxide removal. However, despite the many potential upsides of adding biochar to amend carbon-depleted soils in sub-Saharan Africa, deployment is largely lacking. This paper explores the socio-economic factors that can explain tendencies to avoid action. Based on a survey of 172 farming households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions in the Mbeya and Songwe regions of Tanzania, which were targeted for a biochar aid program in 2014, several socio-economic drivers behind the continued use of biochar deployment were identified in this follow-up study. A key deployment driver was the increased crop yields, perceived to be the result of adding biochar to soils, increasing yields from 1 metric ton per hectare to 3 metric tons per hectare. Food security and family income were cited as the main reasons to engage in biochar production and use. Climate change mitigation and increased resilience were other key reasons that motivated adoption. In terms of socio-economic factors, farmers with low education and income, the majority being males aged 40–60 years, contributed to low adoption rates in the study area. Respondents often cited the alternative usage of biochar feedstocks, lack of government involvement or extension services, traditions, and farming customs as the main constraints limiting biochar deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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13 pages, 1778 KiB  
Article
Biochar as a Soil Amendment: Reduction in Mercury Transport from Hydraulic Mine Debris
by Madison Brandt, Deborah S. Page-Dumroese, Jackson Webster and Carrie Monohan
Energies 2021, 14(20), 6468; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14206468 - 09 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1543
Abstract
Mercury mining and its use in gold mine operations left a legacy of contamination in northern California. Contaminated sediments and water continue to affect local and downstream ecosystems. To assess the efficacy of biochar-amended soils on decreasing Hg transport, biochar was used to [...] Read more.
Mercury mining and its use in gold mine operations left a legacy of contamination in northern California. Contaminated sediments and water continue to affect local and downstream ecosystems. To assess the efficacy of biochar-amended soils on decreasing Hg transport, biochar was used to amend rock and sediment columns and mesocosms to decrease suspended sediment and associated mercury (Hg) in storm water runoff from Sierra Nevada hydraulic mines. Mercury-contaminated storm water runoff and hydraulic mine debris were collected from two hydraulic mine sites in the Yuba River, California watershed. Mercury concentrations and turbidity were analyzed from storm water samples and hydraulic mine debris in three simulated storm runoff experiments using decomposed granite columns, sediment columns, and sediment mesocosms amended at 0%, 2%, or 5% biochar by weight. Columns containing hydraulic mine debris and mixed with 5% biochar had a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in filter-passed mercury (FHg) in the outflow as compared to control columns. To simulate saturated hydraulic mine debris runoff, mesocosms were filled with mine sediment and saturated with deionized water to generate runoff. Five percent biochar in mesocosm trays decreased FHg significantly (p < 0.001), but, because of the angle of the tray, sediment also moved out of the trays. Biochar was effective at reducing FHg from hydraulic mine discharge. Biochar in laboratory columns with decomposed granite or mine sediments was more effective at removing Hg than mesocosms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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13 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Biochar Stability in a Highly Weathered Sandy Soil under Four Years of Continuous Corn Production
by Jeffrey Michael Novak, Donald William Watts, Gilbert C. Sigua, William Tillman Myers, Thomas F. Ducey and Hannah C. Rushmiller
Energies 2021, 14(19), 6157; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14196157 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Biochar is being considered a climate change mitigation tool by increasing soil organic carbon contents (SOC), however, questions remain concerning its longevity in soil. We applied 30,000 kg ha−1 of biochars to plots containing a Goldsboro sandy loam (Fine-loamy, siliceous, sub-active, thermic [...] Read more.
Biochar is being considered a climate change mitigation tool by increasing soil organic carbon contents (SOC), however, questions remain concerning its longevity in soil. We applied 30,000 kg ha−1 of biochars to plots containing a Goldsboro sandy loam (Fine-loamy, siliceous, sub-active, thermic Aquic Paleudults) and then physically disked all plots. Thereafter, the plots were agronomically managed under 4 years (Y) of continuous corn (Zea Mays, L.) planting. Annually, incremental soil along with corresponding bulk density samples were collected and SOC concentrations were measured in topsoil (down to 23-cm). The biochars were produced from Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) chip (PC) and Poultry litter (PL) feedstocks. An untreated Goldsboro soil (0 biochar) served as a control. After four years, SOC contents in the biochar treated plots were highest in the top 0–5 and 5–10 cm depth suggesting minimal deeper movement. Declines in SOC contents varied with depth and biochar type. After correction for SOC declines in controls, PL biochar treated soil had a similar decline in SOC (7.9 to 10.3%) contents. In contrast, the largest % SOC content decline (20.2%) occurred in 0–5 cm deep topsoil treated with PC biochar. Our results suggest that PC biochar had less stability in the Goldsboro soil than PL biochar after 4 years of corn grain production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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14 pages, 17557 KiB  
Article
Benefits of Corn-Cob Biochar to the Microbial and Enzymatic Activity of Soybean Plants Grown in Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals
by Samir A. Haddad and Joanna Lemanowicz
Energies 2021, 14(18), 5763; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14185763 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2380
Abstract
Synchronous effects of biochar on heavy metals stress, microbial activity and nodulation process in the soil are rarely addressed. This work studied the effects, under greenhouse conditions, of selected heavy metals Cd2+, Pb2+ and Ni2+ on soybean plants grown [...] Read more.
Synchronous effects of biochar on heavy metals stress, microbial activity and nodulation process in the soil are rarely addressed. This work studied the effects, under greenhouse conditions, of selected heavy metals Cd2+, Pb2+ and Ni2+ on soybean plants grown in two different soils amended with biochar, and studied their effect on the microbial and enzymatic activity. As a result of the interference between heavy metals and biochar, biochar overcame heavy metal problems and maintained a microbial population of major groups (bacteria–fungi). There was an increase in the degree of resistance (RS) of the major microbial groups to heavy metals when biochar was added to the soil under study. Numbers of bacterial nodules significantly increased, particularly by using the higher rate of biochar compared to the control, either by adding biochar alone or by mixing it with the selected heavy metals. The arginase activity was increased by 25.5% and 37.1% in clay and sandy soil, respectively, compared to the control. For urease (UR), the activity was increased by 105% and 83.8% in clay and sandy soil, respectively, compared to the control. As a result, considerations of using biochar as a soil amendment should be first priority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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16 pages, 677 KiB  
Article
Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Potting Mix with Biochar
by McKenzie Thomas, Kimberly L. Jensen, Dayton M. Lambert, Burton C. English, Christopher D. Clark and Forbes R. Walker
Energies 2021, 14(12), 3432; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14123432 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1623
Abstract
Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or [...] Read more.
Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or the depth of the products’ market potential for this product. This research provides WTP estimates for potting mix amended with 25% biochar, conditioned on consumer demographics and attitudes about product information labeling. Data were collected with an online survey of 577 Tennessee home gardeners. WTP was elicited through a referendum contingent valuation. Consumer WTP for an 8.81 L bag of 25% biochar potting mix is $8.52; a premium of $3.53 over conventional potting mix. Demographics and attitudes toward biofuels and the environment influence WTP. Biochar amounts demanded are projected for the study area’s potential market. Optimal prices, profits, and market shares are estimated across different marginal costs of producing biochar potting mix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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20 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
Linking Federal Forest Restoration with Wood Utilization: Modeling Biomass Prices and Analyzing Forest Restoration Costs in the Northern Sierra Nevada
by Camille Swezy, John Bailey and Woodam Chung
Energies 2021, 14(9), 2696; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14092696 - 08 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
Over half of California’s forestland is managed by the US Forest Service, and the agency has identified a need to scale up forest restoration treatments in the state to one million acres per year by 2025. However, the high costs of mechanical fuel [...] Read more.
Over half of California’s forestland is managed by the US Forest Service, and the agency has identified a need to scale up forest restoration treatments in the state to one million acres per year by 2025. However, the high costs of mechanical fuel reduction and lack of markets for biomass pose significant barriers to accomplishing this target. The objectives of this case study were: (1) to identify costs of forest restoration treatments on federally-managed land in the Northern Sierra under a variety of harvesting scenarios and haul distances to biomass facilities, and (2) to understand what market prices for biomass must be offered to support such efforts. We modeled silvicultural prescription and harvesting options, machine productivity and costs, and transportation costs to assess economic thresholds. Biomass harvest, chip, and haul costs ranged from $55/bone dry ton to $118/bone dry ton, depending on the harvesting system scenario and distance from the biomass disposal site. Results suggest that the cost of forest restoration far exceeds current market prices for biomass, and additional investment is needed to adequately pay for federal forest restoration in California. Additional takeaways include that biomass outlets closer to supply sources can reduce both haul costs and production costs, and local wood utilization campuses can play a key role in supporting forest restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Biomass)
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