Synthesis of Biochars from Agricultural-Forest Biomass and Their Potential Use as Biofertilizers for the Agricultural Sector (Phase 2)

This project addresses the need to develop sustainable alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and agrochemicals, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on the valorization of over 18 MT/year of agroforestry waste generated in Ecuador, which currently contributes to pollution. The proposed solution is the conversion of this residual biomass into bio-chars using established thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization. The main objective is to generate value-added bio-inputs for the agricultural sector, specifically as soil amendments, carbon sequestrants, and potential fertilizers. The methodology includes initial characterization of reference soils (WP1), construction or acquisition of pyrolytic/hydrothermal reactors (WP2.1), determination of the bioenergy potential of the residues (WP2.2), production and physicochemical characterization of the resulting bio-chars and liquids (WP2.3, WP2.4), and finally, the inoculation of the bio-chars with native microorganisms to maximize their fertilizing effect (WP2.5). The final products will be evaluated in the field to determine their efficacy as organic amendments and biofertilizers in local agricultural activities (WP3).<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze potential valorization pathways for agricultural and forestry waste from the Ayora parish (Pichincha) using thermochemical routes to generate bio-inputs that can serve as contaminant adsorbents, carbon sequestration sources, and/or fertilizers through the inoculation of local microorganisms.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Thermocatalytic assessment of agricultural waste