Technologies

Biochar application for land improvement [Thailand]

Biochar application for land improvement

technologies_5246 - Thailand

Completeness: 90%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Thomgcomephan Nisuda

Land Development Department

Thailand

land user:

Komes Pansak

Bor Kwang Tong District, Chonburi province

Thailand

SLM specialist:

Chollaket Nunthapop

Land Development Department

Thailand

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Environmental Land Management and Rural Livelihood Project
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Wageningen Agric. University (Wageningen Agric. University) - Netherlands

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Ja

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

Nee

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Biological charcoal, or biochar, is porous charcoal obtained from biomass. Biochar as a soil amendment helps improve soil fertility as well as sequestering carbon in the soil.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Biological charcoal or biochar is porous charcoal obtained from biomass. To obtain biochar, biomass is loaded into a kiln that can be heated to very high temperature (higher than 500 degrees Farenheit). The biomass goes through a process of biodegradation called pyrolysis. After a few hours, this biomass is converted into a coal-like substance, which farmers can use as a soil amendment. Biochar is an alternative way to solve the problems of the environment such as healthy soils, food production and global warming reduction.
Such charcoal production is a technology that can be conducted from the level of farmers to the level of industries. Lehmann and Joseph (2009) collated research work related to the properties of biochar. It was found that biochar had a property of neutrality to alkalinity. It is porous, can hold water and has a composition of elements such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium - but especially carbon. Their findings indicated that biochar can absorb nutrients well, can withstand biological and chemical decomposition and promote activities of microorganisms in the soil. In addition to this biochar, through its positive effect on carbon sequestration, is another way to reduce the emission of carbon to the atmosphere - which is the cause of climate change through the greenhouse effect. Carbon is effectively locked in the biochar and not released. Much research has found that biochar is suitable for agricultural application. It improves soil properties physically, chemically and biologically. To work with biochar, we need a biochar kiln to produce it.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Thailand

Region/ State/ Province:

Chonburi province

Further specification of location:

Bor Kwang Tong District, Chonburi province

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • 1-10 km2
Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

Nee

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • conserve ecosystem
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • mitigate climate change and its impacts

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Ja

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
  • Agroforestry

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • cereals - rice (wetland)
Annual cropping system:

Vegetables - wheat/barley/oat/upland rice

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Is intercropping practiced?

Ja

Is crop rotation practiced?

Ja

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • natural and semi-natural forest management
  • agroforestry
  • integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
  • A6: Residue management
A6: Specify residue management:

A 6.1: burned

vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V1: Tree and shrub cover
management measures

management measures

  • M6: Waste management (recycling, re-use or reduce)

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Ca: acidification
  • Cp: soil pollution
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pc: compaction
  • Pk: slaking and crusting
  • Pi: soil sealing

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation
  • restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Biochar kiln for rice husk biomass

Author:

Dr.Pansak Komes

Date:

27/06/2019

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology unit
Specify unit:

Klin

Specify dimensions of unit (if relevant):

0.6 m * 0.9 m

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

31.9

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

10

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Biochar application after harvest crop

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Finding the area to install the set of the biochar-producing stove, make area adjustment for the base plate and the supply line, and the drainage course person 10.0 35.0 350.0
Labour Building the shelf for keeping Feed Stock and keeping the biochar person 10.0 35.0 350.0
Labour Building the electrical system for using the lighting equipment and Service Water person 0.06 33.0 1.98
Labour Building equipment parts of the biochar-producing stove, namely dust & exhaust -trapping equipment and the equipment assembling work, medium-levelled labor person 0.86 16.6 14.28
Equipment Building equipment parts of the biochar-producing stove, namely dust & exhaust -trapping equipment and the equipment assembling work, low-levelled labor person 0.86 35.0 30.1
Equipment Equipment costs for building biochar-producing stoves(Biochar klin for every kind of biomass together with Biochar klin for only rice husk biomass totalling 1 set),namely 200-liter used tanks, Induce Draft Fan, Electric Water Pump, High pressure water spray, Electric Wood Saw and other miscellaneous equipment person 0.03 400.0 12.0
Equipment Costs of materials which are iron ornaments, namely iron pipes, screws-nuts and others totaling 40 items for building the stove for 1 set person 0.03 599.6 17.99
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 776.35
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 24.34

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Cleaning the pipe system and the spray head transferring the heat flame between the combustion chamber and the chamber containing biomass Every time of the operation for 3 times
2. Cleaning the perforated metal plate containing biomass in the stove producing biochar from rice husk Every time of the operation for 3 times
3. Inspecting defects of the metal exposed to high heat (Hot Spot) Every year
4. Major Overhaul Every 2 years
5. Inspecting and repairing the equipment trapping dust from exhaust Every time of the operation for 6 times

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Preparing Feed Stock , transporting biomass materials and products person 0.06 2200.0 132.0
Equipment Miscellaneous equipment and tools for operation set 0.03 333.3 10.0
Plant material Firewood scraps can be bought locally(including transportation expenses) kg 333.3 0.03 10.0
Plant material Raw rice husk (including transportation expenses) kg 333.3 0.06 20.0
Other Yearly Inspection and Maintenance time 33.3 1.3 43.29
Other Electrical energy and tap water time 3.33 3.3 10.99
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 226.28
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 7.09

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

construction materials

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

The western part of Chonburi province is adjacent to the coast, making the amount of rain at the coastal areas different from the inland. The coastal area at Muang district has localized downpours and the amount of rain is more than other areas. The total amount of rain throughout the year accounts for more than 1,200 mm. Name of

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

weather station: Chonburi Weather Station

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • not relevant

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

on surface

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

Water quality refers to:

both ground and surface water

Is water salinity a problem?

Nee

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Nee

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • high

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Off-farm income:
  • 10-50% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged
  • elderly

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • individual
Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Ja

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop quality

decreased
increased

fodder production

decreased
increased

product diversity

decreased
increased

production area

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified

energy generation

decreased
increased
Water availability and quality

irrigation water quality

decreased
increased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil accumulation

decreased
increased

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced

soil compaction

increased
reduced

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased

salinity

increased
decreased

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased

acidity

increased
reduced
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Vegetation cover

decreased
increased

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased

plant diversity

decreased
increased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

impact of greenhouse gases

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
seasonal temperature increase well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly negative

Long-term returns:

slightly negative

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 1-10%
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 11-50%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Ja

Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

soil organic carbon

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Using agricultural material residues as production factors to help reduce costs and increase more soil fertility
There are material residues used as the factor producing biochar in the area
Being the learning center of the community
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Inventing and designing materials & equipment producing biochar for industrial production

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Regarding making materials & equipment for producing biochar, there ae high costs for some smallholders Aggregation for making materials & equipment for the community
Not being able to produce industrially Inventing and designing materials & equipment producing biochar for industrial production
Inventing and designing materials & equipment producing biochar for industrial production Building a close system in order to manage the smoke, reducing the impact on the environment

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

100 persons per year

  • interviews with land users

2 persons

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

3 persons

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

08/07/2019

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Biochar application for land improvement

URL:

https://qcat.wocat.net/th/wocat//techno;ogies/view/technologies_4750/

Title/ description:

Effect of Biochar Application on Soil Quality and Soil Carbon Sequestration in Acid Soils

URL:

www.adb.org

Title/ description:

Agriculture new Theory Komes Farm

URL:

www.komesmodel.com

7.4 General comments

Dr.Pansak Komes- SLM expert
Acting Sub - co-complier

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