Poultry Litter Biochar for Soil Fertility Enhancement and Environmental Health Implications in Solid Waste Management

Abstract Submission: Poultry litter biochar (PLB) is a promising soil amendment for improving soil quality and enhancing carbon sequestration. However, understanding the effects of different PLB production conditions and application rates on plant growth and soil health is still limited. This study investigates the impact of pyrolysis temperature, bedding materials in poultry litter, and biochar application rates on radish (Raphanus sativus L.) growth, while considering the broader implications for solid waste management. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, featuring 12 treatments with three replications. Treatments varied by pyrolysis temperatures (300°C and 500°C), bedding materials (pure poultry litter, 10% pine shavings, and 10% rice hulls), and application rates (2% and 5% by weight). An un-amended soil treatment was included as a control. Soil fertility changes were evaluated before and after radish cultivation. The findings indicated that biochar-amended soils exhibited significant enrichment in essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), leading to enhanced radish growth. These results demonstrate that PLB can play a critical role in soil fertility enhancement while repurposing poultry litter waste. This research highlights the environmental health benefits of incorporating solid waste-derived biochar into soil management practices, aligning with sustainable practices that address the lifecycle of solid waste management.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : Participants will gain an understanding of how poultry litter biochar (PLB) can enhance soil fertility and support sustainable waste management. They will learn about the effects of different production conditions and application rates on plant growth and soil health, with a focus on the enrichment of essential nutrients and improvement in soil quality. Additionally, participants will explore the broader environmental health benefits of incorporating solid waste-derived biochar into soil management practices and its role in addressing the lifecycle of solid waste management.