Biochar and Liquid Condensate Trial
November 11th, 2011 at 14:08The design of the pyrolysis system used by Black Earth Products produces liquid condensates, these are sometimes known as liquid smoke or wood vinegar. The chemical make up of these liquid is extremely complex, very little research has been done with regards to using it as a fertiliser. It should be noted that the chemical make up of the liquid will change depending on the process, system design and feed stock used, these informal results are to show the potential of the liquid, but further trials, chemical refining and toxic element identification are required. The liquids used in this trial were produced using continuous flow pyrolysis at 550°C with a poultry manure and bedding material of wood shavings as the feed stock.
The results of the trial clearly show how well the Biochar holds/bonds and exchanges nutrients with plants. The liquid condensate was applied one prior to seed germination. Liquid condensate 5000 Lt/ha = 8ml in pot. Poultry litter Biochar 5 t/ha = 8g in pot
A PDF of all 12 groups with clearer images is avaialbe here.
BlackEarthProducts_Condensate_Pot_Trial >>>>
November 17th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Hello,
I am very interested in finding out a few more details on this wood vinegar trial. Did you apply the wood vinegar to the biochar or did you soak the seeds in it before germinating etc?
I believe that would vinegar is a large part of converting to a “biochar” cycle not just for germination, but also activating biochar and also pest control – must have some benefits wen you read that Japan has used it for 2000years!
Thanks for your time – I enjoy following what you are up to.
Regards,
Chad
November 19th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Hi Chad
The Liquid condensate was watered down 50/50 and I used a syringe to directly apply the liquid over the mixed growing medium which included the Biochar blends. The high application rates ended up running out of the pots as they were over saturated. I did try a 100% Biochar soaked in the liquid condensate but found the seeds ended up pushing themselves out of the medium. Far to strong.
The liquid condensate I used already has a high moisture content as the system uses water scrubbers.
November 24th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
This is interesting stuff. When I’ve been making my own biochar at home I’ve been very aware that I’m missing the potential liquid condensate by flaring off the gases. It makes for a simple setup for yard waste and produces good char but loses some fertility.
You mention that the condensate leaked from the pots when applied directly. What about leaving the biochar to soak in diluted condensate for a few days before using it in the pots? As I understand the condensate is full of nutrients that beneficial microorganisms feed off and might help inoculate the biochar with both these and other nutrients.
Cheers
Mike
November 25th, 2011 at 8:41 am
I have tested what the holding capacity of poultry litter Biochar is with regards to soaking condensates in it and I still would have had issues with the higher application rates I was using.
Just looking at my notes I was able to get an increase of approx 40g per 100g of Biochar when soaked and let drain over a few days in a sealed container.
I also noted that once the test was completed I had left the soaked containers open to air, over the following week all my samples ended up with substantial fugal grow over the condensate soaked Biochar.