Effect of biochar application in combination with domestic wastewater on biomass yield of bioenergy plantations
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 9 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The energy demand of growing population is on rise despite the fact that conventional energy reserves are limited and exhaustive in nature. To quench the ever-needing demand of energy, there is an urgent need to find out new energy options. In this regard, role of bioenergy plantation has gained enormous attention of scientist community all over the world. Biochar, a black pyrolysed carbonaceous product, is used as soil amendment and is reported to provide several benefits such as retention of nutrients in soil, better cation exchange capacity, soil carbon sequestration with better biomass yield. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study investigated the effect of domestic waste water (grey water) as well as biochar in combination for above-ground biomass of Eucalyptus hybrid (clone 413) and Anthocephalus cadamba plantations under flooded irrigation.
Findings
Height, girth and above-ground biomass of both plantations increased significantly from control. Above-ground biomass of A. cadamba was observed to be better than Eucalyptus hybrid during initial period of establishment. After application of biochar, treatment WW+BBm was found to produce maximum above-ground biomass followed by treatment WW and WW+ BBg in both plantations system.
Originality/value
The present study encompassed a real sustainable approach for environmental management by integrating the use of waste water (source of nutrients) as well as biochar (a solid waste pyrolysed material that act as soil fertilizer, an efficient adsorbent as well as a sink for carbon sequestration) for the better biomass yield of bioenergy plantations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to Prof. P.K. Sen and Dr Phil Davis for constant support, guidance and encouragement throughout the study period and associating under RCUK-DST India Science Bridge Project entitled “Bio-energy: Technology and Business Solutions for the UK and India”.
Citation
Ramola, S., Kumar Srivastava, R. and Vasudevan, P. (2013), "Effect of biochar application in combination with domestic wastewater on biomass yield of bioenergy plantations", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 355-363. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-03-2013-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited