Biochar: innovations obtained through carbonizations tested in Amiata and Maremma
The general objective of the project is to develop and validate a new generation of products, based on the partial pyrolysis of ligno-cellulosic biomass deriving from forestry, agri-forestry and agronomic activities.
The material coming from sustainable management will be used in the agricultural, nursery and cosmetic sectors, aiming to increase soil fertility, mitigate climate change and concretely developing green technologies. The research activities will be carried out on biochar obtained from the combination of forest, agri-forestry, olive-growing, agricultural and nursery sectors, in an innovative form for the territory.
The sharing of the experiences from all partners will be the characterizing element of the project, through specific phases summarized as follows:
- optimization and standardization of an innovative technology for discontinuous biochar production;
- use of biochar as a soil improver in the nursery and / or agricultural sector and monitoring of the fertility of the ""soil system"" through microbiological indicators and as a basis for cosmetics;
- dissemination of the results of the project on the territory.
The agro-forestry activities of the Amiata and Maremma in general have recorded sharp drops over the years. The keys to economic revitalization are strictly linked to the management of the territory and reside in sustainable choices aimed at diversifying and qualifying production, also through the recovery of processing residues. The production of charcoal on Mount Amiata, once widespread and profitable, is being reactivated thanks to the development of recent techniques such as the use of horizontal and vertical mobile ovens. Activities in this regard are carried out by the PIF FOGLIE (production of certified charcoal minimizing process inputs) and by CarbON (continuous carbonization). The charcoal product still has wide margins for valorisation (cosmetic, pharmacological or nursery uses). The production of biochar from ligno-cellulosic materials, even very different ones, has the advantage of being able to exploit waste and processing residues with less impact than other forms of disposal and at the same time generating energy. The need of the rural sector is that of a new furnace capable of bringing together simplicity of use, ductility and heat recovery in order to increase the sustainability of the process. The chemical-physical properties of Biochar make it a privileged soil improver with the ability to improve soil fertility by acting on nutrient retention, increasing the porosity and water retention of the soil system and stimulating the indigenous microbial community.
Prototype of a vertical mobile furnace with discontinuous operation
"- Evaluation of the effect of adding 3 types of biochar on the fertility of the soil system in terms of microbiological indicators, and field evaluation in nursery, horticultural and agronomic activities;
- Possibility of creating a new supply chain in the territories of the project with the involvement of new companies;
- Reduction of the negative externalities of carbonization, mainly through the collection of leachate and evaluation of their use in the production of chemical compounds and biobased materials;
- Economic valorisation of forest, olive, agricultural and nursery wood residues, transforming them from a critical element in management, economic and environmental terms, to a possible resource (biochar, chemical compounds and bio-based materials.
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