Biochar as bulking agent for poultry litter composting. Issue 3 (June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steiner, Christoph; Melear, Nathan; Harris, Keith; Das, KC
• Is Part Of: Carbon management. Volume 2:Issue 3(2011)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2011-06
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Periodicals; Greenhouse gas mitigation -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 363.73874605
• DOI: 10.4155/cmt.11.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-3004

Abstract

Bulking agents are used in manure composting in order to provide optimal bulk density and aeration of the composting mixture; they also have an impact on the quality of the final product. Biochar (carbonized organic materials) seems to have ideal properties for use as bulking agents. In this study, a significant increase in CO2 respiration rates from poultry litter amended with biochar was found. The first respiration maxima increased by 44% and total respiration increased by 28%. The conversion of organic materials to either compost or biochar may depend on the nature of materials and both applications may supplement each other.