The Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature on Chemical Properties of Empty Fruit Bunch and Palm Kernel Shell Biochars

Abstract

Abstract Biochar is a valuable by-product which has a potential as a new soil amendment in improving soil fertility. However, the properties of biochar highly depend on the types of feedstock used and the pyrolysis condition. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pyrolysis temperature on chemical properties of biochar derived from oil palm. Two types of biochars were produced from empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm kernel shell (PKS) by slow pyrolysis process applied at different levels of pyrolysis temperature (350, 500 and 750°C). The chemical properties of biochars such as pH, electricity conductivity (EC), total nutrients and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined. The adsorption capacities of cadmium on biochars also were investigated. The results showed that pH value, EC and total macronutrients for both EFB and PKS biochars increased with the increased of temperature. In contrast, CEC value decreased when pyrolysis temperature is increased. Biochar derived from EFB produced at 750°C showed the highest adsorption capacity of cadmium.