Effect of Six Different Feedstocks on Biochar’s Properties and Expected Stability

Abstract

Biochar (BC) is often proposed as a tool for climate change mitigation, due to the expected long lifetime in the environment. However, BC’s stability can vary depending on feedstock type and the presence of labile carbon fractions. In this study, we verify the recent methods with new possible tools for biochar stability assessment on six different biochars derived from commonly available Europe biomass sources. Elemental composition (CHNO), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and water-soluble carbonates content (WSC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) composition, and mid-infrared spectra (MIR) were performed to estimate the persistence of biochars. Under similar conditions of pyrolysis, biochar properties can vary depending on a feedstock origin. Less aromatic structure and higher contents of labile carbon fractions (DOCs and WSC) in food waste biochars affected the lower stability, while biochars derived from high lignocellulose materials (straw, wood, and grass) were strongly carbonized, with persistent, aromatic structure. Labile carbon pool content (DOC, WSC) and spectral analysis can be useful tools for biochar stability assessment, giving similar information to the standard molar ratio method. Biochars obtained from agriculture and forestry management biomass should be considered as highly stable in soil and are appropriate for long-term carbon sequestration purposes.