Release of nutrients and organic carbon in different soil types from
hydrochar obtained using sugarcane bagasse and vinasse
GEODERMA, (2019)DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.07.034
Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonization of byproducts from the sugarcane industry
generates a solid material (hydrochar) rich in carbon and nutrients with
the potential to be used as a soil conditioner. In this context, the
objective of this work was to evaluate the nutrient release process from
hydrochar with the aim of improving soil quality. To do this,
experiments were performed evaluating the concentration of NO3-, PO4-3,
K, Ca, Mg, Fe and total organic carbon leached from a column filled with
soil and different hydrochar proportions during one month. The
proportions of hydrochar were 1 and 4% (w/w) applied to sand, ultisol,
and oxisol. Nitrogen and phosphorus were immobilized in the soils due to
the high organic carbon released that increase microbial activity and to
the presence of iron and aluminum oxides, respectively. The oxisol
retains part of the carbon released by the hydrochar due to its high
content of silt and clay. Only part of the carbon and nutrients of the
hydrochar was released, indicating a recalcitrant material. The prepared
hydrochar provided nutrients and organic carbon depending on the soil
type to which it was applied. This study shows that hydrochar, if
applied in the appropriate proportion, can enhance the soil fertility.