Title:
Residues from Mechanized Nut Harvesting: Preliminary Tests to Valorize Walnut Husks for Biochar Production and Possible Use as Soil Amendment
Author(s):
Assirelli, A., Beni, C., Pagano, M., Cedrola, C., Tomasone, R., Santangelo, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The recovery of residues from agricultural activities is a winning strategy to reduce the environmental costs of their management and foster the circular economy. Walnut (Juglans regia, L.) is a well-known permanent crop grown for the edible nut. The husks can remain attached to the fruit or to be a residue of processing (wash) and are a potential substrate to produce biochar. However, its use requires a careful assessment for identifying a suitable level of employment. The objective of the study was to explore the conversion in biochar and determine which level of biochar had a toxic activity on germination and early seedling growth. Dehydrated walnut husk and the corresponding biochar produced through a pyrolytic reactor were used first to test the effect of aqueous extracts (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20% w/w) on maize germination. The lower dosages (0, 0.2, and 0.5% w/w) of biochar used in the second test allowed for a seedling growth comparable with the control. Finally, the husk biochar was added to a potting substrate (0, 1, 2, and 5%) to simulate a practical use as an amendment. The results of the last test suggested that for ensuring a beneficial effect on plant growth the addition should not exceed 1%.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, pyrolysis, germination, nursery substrate
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Agroforestry residues and by-products
Event:
28th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.1.10
Pages:
132 - 136
ISBN:
978-88-89407-20-2
Paper DOI:
10.5071/28thEUBCE2020-1DV.1.10
Price:
FREE
