Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Timea GABOR, Andreea HEGYI, Stelian COSTE, Alina Iuliana CADAR, Cristian PETCU, Carmen FLOREAN, Ioana Monica SUR
Agricultural activities generate substantial volumes of waste and by-products annually, primarily of plant origin, which are either underutilized or not utilized at all. Through partial pyrolysis, these waste materials can be transformed into a product known as "biochar (BCH)," which has potential applications in both agriculture and innovative construction materials. This paper presents a comparative study examining the impact of BCH utilization in these two fields. Research findings demonstrated beneficial effects on soil quality and crop yield improvement. Additionally, studies conducted on cementitious composites incorporating 5-15% biochar revealed reduced density, increased open porosity, maintained mechanical strength parameters, and thermal conductivity values that suggest the possibility of developing innovative mortars with enhanced thermal resistance or suitable for manufacturing paving elements. Through this dual approach, this paper aims to highlight the potential of transforming agricultural waste into valuable materials that benefit both agriculture and the development of new, innovative, and environmentally friendly construction materials.
[Read full article] [Citation]
