Biochar from Oil Palm Biomass

The value of the abundant biomass generated by the oil palm industry in Malaysia can be enhanced when converted into biochar to facilitate soil management/carbon sequestration. This project aims to assessing the techno-economic and sustainability in optimizing the production of biochar from various forms of oil palm biomass via pyrolysis using a Biochar Experimenter’s Kit (BEK). Biochar has the strength in improving long term soil productivity and is capable of sequestering carbon in soils to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide to atmosphere. The effect of temperature, heating rate and residence time on pyrolysing different oil palm biomass feedstock and the resulting product yields were examined. The biochar will then be selectively characterized for its physicochemical and biological properties before it is screened for oil palm nursery trials.  The project will provide an improved understanding of the mechanisms, processes and variables required to produce biochar in its optimised conditions for soil application in palm oil plantations, and help to minimise fertilizer usage and mitigate climate change.