Interest in biochar, a carbon-rich organic product, has increased greatly over the last decade. Biochar has multiple uses, ranging from soil amendment to water filtration. Currently, biochar is also being incorporated into livestock feeds and compost operations.
This project will develop new novel methodology for value-added utilization of low-value agricultural waste. Different agricultural waste materials will be tested to find out the optimal pyrolysis temperatures and methods to make biochar. Analytical and spectroscopic methods will be used to characterize the biochar. Then biochars will be mixed with fertilisers to evaluate their effect on soil quality and plant growth using greenhouse experiments. The results of this research will provide in-depth understanding on how to effectively make biochars and how biochars can be best used to improve soil and environmental quality.

Assoc Prof Guangnan Chen

• Dr Les Bowtell

• School of Engineering and Built Environment

• Agriculture, Land and Farm Management

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)