- SO1 Produce and characterise 36 different types of biochar at lab scale and determine the 4 most appropriate as a soil improvement ingredient.
Four types of green waste were collected by Terrawatt and CIRAD. A total of 36 biochars were produced through 9 process treatments for each raw material type, involving different pyrolisis conditions. Characterization of the 36 biochars, according to the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) standards, was conducted by ELGO and CIRAD (D1.1 & D1.2). Based on 6 specific criteria, four types of biochars have been selected for the subsequent research activities (D1.3).
- SO2 Characterise, formulate and test at lab scale the most appropriate biochar-digestate mixture for different poor soil types
The lands for soil sampling were identified, and three different soil types (coarse, medium, fine) were collected and prepared for the greenhouse pot experiment. Physicochemical analyses of the soils are currently underway, focusing on parameters such as C, N, P, K, micro-nutrients, heavy metals, electrical conductivity, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC).
- SO3 Characterize gaseous emissions and organic nitrogen mineralization potentials of the soil improvement products at lab-scale and develop computer simulation and decision-making tool
The preparatory phases for experiments on GHG emissions and C humification have been initiated. All biochar-digestate mixtures and soil samples have been prepared and are ready for use. The experimental protocol for GHG measurement has been established and the device is currently undergoing maintenance for its correct functioning during the testing period.
- SO4 Production of soil improver at pilot scale - adding biochar post-digestion in the soil improver mixture
During the first period, TW successfully assembled, installed and commissioned the pilot scale pyrolysis kiln. This kiln is able to process 80kg/h of biomass and to produce ~15 kg of biochar per hour. At M18 the first kilograms of biochar were produced with the pilot equipment. Also, a first calibration was performed to reach the parameters defined by CIRAD for biochar production.
- SO5 Field testing of the soil improver substrate effects in different sites in Spain, Greece and France, with various types of poor soils, demonstrating the safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the soil improver at large scale
Soil characterisation has been carried out initially by UGR for those properties that are more stable and for others that serve as early indicators of changes in the soil. The analyses were started after collecting the samples from the experimental plots in Spain (UGR) and receiving those from Greece (ELGO) and France (INRAE). The work started in M3 until M12 with the submission of deliverable D4.1.
- SO6 Test biochar as an additive to enhance microbiological activity in anaerobic digestion plants and its effect in the quality of the digestate as a soil improver substrate
Different biochars (36 biochars) produced by CIRAD were examined as additive in AD process at DTU. Different lab-scale batch experiments were conducted to evaluate how different biochars produced under different conditions influence methane yield during AD. Different experiments showed that biochars produced under the optimum conditions can improve the methane yield up to 20%.
- SO7 Co-development the soil improver with industry players resulting in precommercial products (TRL 7-8).
During the first reporting period, EAS supported by the input from CIRAD and TW had focused on assessing and frame the conformity of the input materials for the biochar (pyrolysis process) and for the digestate (anaerobic digestion process) targeted to the product function category expected (soil amendment). Additionally, the regulatory framework to obtain marketable products has also been started.
- SO8 Develop appropriate business model that consider different market outlets and marketing strategies for the proposed soil amendment.
Related activities are planned to start on M25 (according to project plan) once the first results of SO1 and SO2 are available.
