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Hydrothermal Carbonization of Municipal Woody and Herbaceous Prunings: Hydrochar Valorisation as Soil Amendment and Growth Medium for Horticulture

Author

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  • Monica Puccini

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Lucia Ceccarini

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Daniele Antichi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Maurizia Seggiani

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Silvia Tavarini

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Marisa Hernandez Latorre

    (Ingelia, S.L., C/Jaime Roig 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Sandra Vitolo

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the suitability of hydrochar, produced at industrial scale by hydrothermal carbonization of municipal woody and herbaceous prunings, to be used as soil amendment and peat substitute in organic growth medium for horticulture. Fresh hydrochar and the products of two different hydrochar post-treatments (i.e., washing and aging) were compared in terms of potential phytotoxicity throughout physicochemical characterization and germination tests, performed with a sensitive species ( Lactuca sativa ). The results showed that the fresh hydrochar obtained from municipal green wastes complies with the Italian regulated parameters for the use as soil amendment. Moreover, hydrochar exhibits biological activity and a high content in organic C, Ca, and other micronutrients (Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, Cl). On the other hand, post-treatments are needed before application of hydrochar as peat substitute in potting mix, since appreciable phytotoxic effects on lettuce seed germination and radicle length of plantlets were observed (e.g., germination percentage of 56% and 54%, with 5 and 10 wt % of hydrochar in the blend, respectively). The inhibition of germination could be mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenols (tannins) and volatile fatty acids, which were most effectively removed through the aging post-treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Puccini & Lucia Ceccarini & Daniele Antichi & Maurizia Seggiani & Silvia Tavarini & Marisa Hernandez Latorre & Sandra Vitolo, 2018. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Municipal Woody and Herbaceous Prunings: Hydrochar Valorisation as Soil Amendment and Growth Medium for Horticulture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:3:p:846-:d:136695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mateusz Jackowski & Lukasz Niedzwiecki & Magdalena Lech & Mateusz Wnukowski & Amit Arora & Monika Tkaczuk-Serafin & Marcin Baranowski & Krystian Krochmalny & Vivek K. Veetil & Przemysław Seruga & Anna, 2020. "HTC of Wet Residues of the Brewing Process: Comprehensive Characterization of Produced Beer, Spent Grain and Valorized Residues," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Aidan M. Smith & Andrew B. Ross, 2019. "The Influence of Residence Time during Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Miscanthus on Bio-Coal Combustion Chemistry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Kathleen Meisel & Andreas Clemens & Christoph Fühner & Marc Breulmann & Stefan Majer & Daniela Thrän, 2019. "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of HTC Concepts Valorizing Sewage Sludge for Energetic and Agricultural Use," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-16, February.

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