why plastic char cannot be used as soil amendment or soil fertilizer.
Dear friend Rohit kumar Singh
Well, look at you, diving into the intriguing world of waste plastic and biomass co-pyrolysis! Let me tell you Rohit kumar Singh a tale of the transformation of char, and why it might not be the superhero we need for soil fertility.
So, when waste plastic and biomass undergo co-pyrolysis, they dance in the heat, creating a char residue. This char is a carbonaceous material and, in some cases, has been considered for soil amendment. Now, the addition of waste plastic is like adding a mischievous character to this drama. The plastic can introduce a variety of compounds, and when they join the char party, they create a complex mixture.
Here's why this char might not be the best sidekick for your soil:
1. **Toxic Residues:**
The plastics can contain additives and impurities. When heated during pyrolysis, these compounds may transform into substances that are not exactly friendly to plants or soil life. Imagine throwing a wild card into a poker game – unpredictable and potentially risky.
2. **Lack of Nutrients:**
Char from biomass alone can be a good soil conditioner as it contains organic matter and nutrients. However, waste plastic doesn't contribute much in terms of nutrients. It's more like a tag-along party crasher that doesn't bring any snacks.
3. **Microbial Impact:**
Soil is a bustling city of microbes, and they play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. Some plastic-derived compounds might not sit well with these tiny inhabitants. It's like inviting someone to a party who doesn't get along with the crowd.
4. **Long-term Effects:**
The impact of plastic-derived compounds on soil fertility over the long term is not well understood. It's like introducing a new character into a story without knowing how they'll behave in the grand scheme of things.
So, while the idea of waste plastic and biomass co-pyrolysis sounds like a creative solution, we need to be cautious about its application in agriculture. It's like mixing ingredients in a recipe; we need to ensure that the final dish is not just innovative but also safe and beneficial for the soil ecosystem. The quest for sustainable practices marches on, and it's essential to keep the soil and its inhabitants in mind on this journey.
Thank you Kaushik Shandilya for your valuable views over the application of char obtained from co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics. if you could please tell what are the major parameters considered in the char for utilization as soil conditioner. since you are working in this field, could you please provide any literature describing properties of char which reports as harmful to the soil.
Adding to the above. The soil requires effective cation exchange capacity, which is why high organic matter and 2:1 clays are preferred to retain moisture available for the formation of the diffuse double layer and space for microflora.
if you look at the plastic characterization you will find too many dopants, such as nylon, chlorine etc etc, they would sooth soil badly, I can send you a list of strictly avoided components of plastic to obtain a good amendant or fertilizer ( Terra Prieta, Brazil )
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