Agronomic benefits of durian shell biochar

Authors

N Prakongkep
R J. Gilkes
W Wiriyakitnateekul

Publication Date

2014-07-01

Abstract

This study investigated the chemical properties of durian shell biochar which is used as a soil amendment. It can act as a carbon sink and as a means to improve crop yield. Plant nutrient elements in this biochar are in crystalline minerals located within the complex pore structure therefore biochar production from wastes could be a very good way to reduce demand for fertilizers. XRD and SEM-EDS results demonstrate that the numerous minerals in biochar are highly soluble, such as archerite (KH₂PO₄), chlorocalcite (KCaCl₃), kalicinite (KHCO₃), and sylvite (KCl) with small amounts of poorly soluble minerals (calcite CaCO₃ and struvite KMgPO₄.6H₂O). When biochar is applied to soils at the recommended rates of tonnes/ hectare, it will be a significant source of potassium, phosphorus and other nutrient elements. The availability of nutrients to plants will depend on properties of the biochar and the adjacent soil.

First Page

7

Last Page

11

Recommended Citation

Prakongkep, N; Gilkes, R J.; and Wiriyakitnateekul, W (2014) "Agronomic benefits of durian shell biochar," Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 24: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol24/iss1/2