Optimization of Granulation Process for Binder-Free Biochar-Based Fertilizer from Digestate and Its Slow-Release Performance

Zhou Yu, Jie Zhao, Yinfeng Hua, Xiaoying Li, Qincheng Chen and Guoqing Shen
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Zhou Yu: School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
Jie Zhao: Shanghai Pudong Agriculture Technology Extension Centre, Shanghai 201201, China
Yinfeng Hua: Shanghai Liming Resources Reuse Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201209, China
Xiaoying Li: School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
Qincheng Chen: School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
Guoqing Shen: School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: Granulation of biochar-based fertilizer is one potential method to reduce transportation costs, provide for enhanced handling, and decrease the loss of fertilizer during soil application. This study aimed to synthesize binder-free biogas residue biochar-based fertilizer (RBF) pellets and investigate their physical properties and slow-release potential. Results showed that the physical properties and forming quality of the pellets reached the best when the moisture content was 7.84%, the diameter was 7 mm, the compression speed was 49.54 mm/min, and the molding pressure was 7.5 MPa. Sustained-release kinetic analysis and characterization results identified that the RBF had excellent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) sustained release properties. The sustained release of nutrients gradually increased with the drying temperature, and the sustained-release effect of P was the best, followed by that of N and K. Therefore, RBF pellets may be applied as a green slow-release fertilizer in agricultural production. Physical, chemical, and slow-release properties could be improved by optimizing the drying and granulation process parameters, thus providing a new idea for the combination of kitchen waste recycling and sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords: biogas residue; biochar-based fertilizer; response surface design; slow-release kinetics; drying temperature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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