A similar article in simple terms
Introduction
The transition to carbon-negative technologies in the agricultural sector is stimulating interest in biochar produced from livestock waste—chicken manure, cattle manure, pig manure, and other organic substrates. These wastes are naturally high in nitrogen and mineral content, making them a valuable raw material for producing functionalized biochar with improved agronomic and environmental properties.
Dry-type industrial pyrolysis plants enable the processing of these types of raw materials cleanly, without liquid pyrolysis waste, with complete pyrolysis gas combustion and real-time temperature control.
1. Chemical composition of chicken manure and animal manure
Chicken manure and droppings are characterized by a high content of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.
Typical composition:
- Organic matter: 55–70 %
- Nitrogen (N): 4–8 %
- Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 2–5 %
- Potassium (K₂O): 2–4 %
- Calcium (CaCO₃, Ca₃(PO₄)₂)
- Magnesium (MgCO₃)
- Trace elements: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu
The organic fraction includes:
- Proteins → (–CONH–)ₙ
- Lipids → C₁₆H₃₂O₂, C₁₈H₃₆O₂
- Carbohydrates → (C₆H₁₀O₅)
2. Chemistry of pyrolysis of litter and manure
2.1. Main thermal decomposition reactions
a) Dehydration (50–200°C)
H₂O(bound) → H₂O(vap)
b) Protein decomposition
R–CONH₂ → R–C + NH₃↑
c) Uric acid decomposition
C₅H₄N₄O₃ → 2NH₃↑ + CO₂↑ + C₃H₂N₂O
d) Organic pyrolysis (300–550°C)
(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ → C (biochar) + CO₂↑ + CO↑ + CH₄↑ + tars
e) Mineralization (>550°C)
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂↑
2NH₄H₂PO₄ → P₂O₅ + 2NH₃↑ + 2H₂O
3. Characteristics of biochar from chicken manure and animal manure
3.1. Mineral-rich structure
Contains Ca, Mg, K, and P in the form of oxides, carbonates, and phosphates, with functional groups –COOH, –OH, and –C=O, and an ash content of 20–40%.
3.2. High alkalinity
pH 8.5–10.5 due to CaO, K₂CO₃:
K₂CO₃ + H₂O → 2KOH + CO₂
3.3. Nitrogen-containing structures
Pyridine and pyrrole groups:
–N–C, –C–N–H
4. Biochar production from manure using GreenPower equipment
4.1. Requirements for pyrolysis feedstock
Moisture ≤ 15 %, absence of inorganic inclusions, except for inherent ash;
4.2. Advantages of GreenPower technologies
– Complete combustion of pyrolysis gas:
CO + 1/2O₂ → CO₂
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
– No liquid byproducts.
– Carbon-negative process: 40–55% carbon retention.
5. Applications of biochar from chicken manure and animal manure
5.1. Agricultural application
Increases crop yields by 10–35%, stabilizes pH, and improves the availability of K, P, and Ca.
5.2. Nitrogen retention
NH₄⁺ + C(biochar)⁻ → NH₄–Cₐds
5.3. Reducing NH₃ and CH₄ emissions on farms
5.4. Composting
6. Ecological effect
Biomass-C → Biochar-C (stable for > 1000 years)
Fixation of 1.6–3.0 t CO₂-eq per 1 t of biochar.
Conclusion
Biochar from chicken manure and animal manure is a highly functional material combining organic carbon and mineral fractions. Production using GreenPower technologies ensures environmental friendliness, eliminates liquid waste, is highly energy efficient, and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.
