Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/59111
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dc.contributor.authorAttard, George-
dc.contributor.authorConnell, Denise Grima-
dc.contributor.authorGruppetta, Anthony-
dc.contributor.authorFenech, Oliver-
dc.contributor.authorBerti, F.-
dc.date.accessioned2020-07-29T07:04:51Z-
dc.date.available2020-07-29T07:04:51Z-
dc.date.issued2019-12-
dc.identifier.citationAttard, G., Connell, D. G., Gruppetta, A., Fenech, O., & Berti, F. (2019). A study to define the physicochemical characteristics of biochar from manure generated on 3 different livestock farms in Malta. Xjenza, 7(2), 84-96.en_GB
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/59111-
dc.description.abstractThe amounts of livestock manure produced in Malta surpasses the application rate as stipulated by the Nitrates Directive with the consequence of having an accumulation on farms. In such cases, manure becomes a liability instead of a benefit, incurring significant risk in creating environmental pollution. Pyrolysis of manure is an interesting alternative to land application, as it has the ability to render organic nitrogen into inert nitrogen gas and reduces manure biomass volumes. This technology utilises high temperature, thereby destroying any potential pathogens that may be present in the manure, has the potential of extracting useful energy and generates potentially high value products, e.g. biochar. The functions and application of biochar when used as a soil amendment to improve soil physical, chemical and biological properties depend on its structural and physicochemical properties. Such understanding is crucial for its sustainable use and application. Manure feedstock originating from large ruminant, small ruminant and poultry operations were subjected to a pyrolysis process at 570◦C. The starting nitrogen (N) content was repartitioned into inert N2 (59%), whilst 38% was retained within the biochar structure. The biochar physicochemical properties relating to electrical conductivity (EC) values, the accumulation of zinc and the alkaline nature, render the application of this biochar on Maltese soils challenging. Alternatively, this biochar could be used as a solid fuel to dry the incoming manure biomass, and the resulting ash utilised to extract potassium and phosphorus.en_GB
dc.language.isoenen_GB
dc.publisherMalta Chamber of Scientistsen_GB
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessen_GB
dc.subjectManures -- Maltaen_GB
dc.subjectCattle -- Manure -- Maltaen_GB
dc.subjectManures -- Researchen_GB
dc.subjectBiocharen_GB
dc.subjectPyrolysisen_GB
dc.titleA study to define the physicochemical characteristics of biochar from manure generated on 3 different livestock farms in Maltaen_GB
dc.typearticleen_GB
dc.rights.holderThe copyright of this work belongs to the author(s)/publisher. The rights of this work are as defined by the appropriate Copyright Legislation or as modified by any successive legislation. Users may access this work and can make use of the information contained in accordance with the Copyright Legislation provided that the author must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the prior permission of the copyright holder.en_GB
dc.description.reviewedpeer-revieweden_GB
dc.identifier.doi10.7423/XJENZA.2019.2.01-
dc.publication.titleXjenzaen_GB
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - InsESRSF
Xjenza, 2019, Volume 7, Issue 2
Xjenza, 2019, Volume 7, Issue 2

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