BIOCHAR FROM TICK WEED: WEED TO WORTH APPROACH

Abstract

This invention provides a method to convert tick weed (Cleome viscosa) into biochar through controlled pyrolysis. The biochar produced serves as a sustainable soil amendment, enhancing soil quality and carbon sequestration. This process mitigates the environmental impact of tick weed, turning it into an economically valuable product, supporting eco-friendly agriculture and circular economy principles.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural biotechnology and environmental sustainability, specifically a process for converting tick weed (Cleome viscosa) into biochar. The biochar produced through this method serves as a soil amendment that enhances soil quality, sequesters carbon, and contributes to sustainable waste management by transforming invasive weed into a valuable resource.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The widespread growth of tick weed (Cleome viscosa) presents numerous challenges in agriculture, including competition with crops for resources and a negative impact on biodiversity. Traditional control methods, such as chemical herbicides, contribute to environmental degradation, contaminating soil and water and affecting non-target organisms. Moreover, tick weed disposal as waste exacerbates the environmental burden, demanding sustainable alternatives for management. The current agricultural sector lacks efficient, eco-friendly methods for controlling tick weed without relying on chemical interventions. The need for innovative solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of invasive species, while simultaneously enriching soil health, is a pressing concern.
While biochar production from various biomass sources has been studied extensively, there is limited research on using tick weed specifically as a biochar feedstock. This invention addresses a unique research gap by optimizing pyrolysis conditions to produce high-quality biochar from tick weed. The biochar derived offers nutrient retention, soil amendment potential, and enhanced microbial activity, representing a dual-purpose solution that supports invasive weed management and soil enrichment.
The invention not only contributes to sustainable agricultural practices but also supports a circular economy by converting an invasive weed into biochar. This biochar application provides an innovative solution to the pressing issue of crop residue management, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and promoting eco-friendly agricultural techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention presents a process for producing biochar from tick weed through controlled pyrolysis. This method involves harvesting, drying, and pyrolyzing tick weed to produce biochar with properties beneficial for soil amendment. The biochar enriches soil quality, sequesters carbon, and offers a sustainable alternative to chemical soil amendments. This method reduces waste and pollution, while creating an economically viable by-product from an invasive weed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Biochar from Tick Weed: Weed to Worth Approach outlines a process that converts tick weed into biochar through pyrolysis, optimizing conditions for maximal biochar yield and quality. The process begins with feedstock preparation, where tick weed is harvested and air-dried to a moisture content of approximately 10-15%, ensuring efficient pyrolysis. The dried tick weed is processed to remove non-target plant material, providing a clean feedstock for biochar production.
The pyrolysis process is conducted in a closed, airtight reactor to maintain an inert atmosphere, preventing oxidation during thermal decomposition. The dried tick weed is loaded into the reactor, which is gradually heated to a target temperature between 300-400°C at a controlled rate (e.g., 5-10°C per minute). Once the desired temperature is reached, it is maintained for a predetermined duration (30 minutes to 2 hours) to ensure effective pyrolysis. The controlled heating and inert environment facilitate the conversion of organic material into stable biochar, optimizing the biochar's carbon content and stability.
Following the pyrolysis stage, the reactor undergoes a cooling phase to bring the biochar to room temperature. Cooling can be achieved naturally or through a cooling system to prevent oxidation and degradation of the biochar. Once cooled, the biochar is carefully collected from the reactor using tools designed to prevent contamination. The biochar is then stored in airtight containers to protect it from moisture and environmental changes that could alter its properties.
The characterization of the biochar is conducted using FTIR spectroscopy and other analytical techniques to assess its chemical composition, stability, and suitability for soil applications. Key components, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and volatile matter, are analyzed to determine biochar quality. This biochar's composition is tailored for soil amendment, enhancing soil quality and microbial activity, and providing a sustainable alternative to conventional soil conditioners.
, Claims:1. A method for producing biochar from tick weed (Cleome viscosa), comprising feedstock preparation, controlled pyrolysis, biochar collection, and characterization.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein feedstock preparation includes drying the tick weed to a moisture content of 10-15% before pyrolysis.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pyrolysis is conducted in an airtight reactor at temperatures between 300-400°C.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pyrolysis process duration is maintained for 30 minutes to 2 hours, achieving optimal biochar quality.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein cooling of the reactor is conducted in a controlled environment to prevent biochar degradation.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein biochar is stored in airtight containers to maintain its stability and suitability for soil applications.
7. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biochar's composition includes cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and volatile matter, enhancing soil amendment properties.
8. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein FTIR spectroscopy is used to characterize biochar composition and assess its suitability for soil enhancement.
9. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biochar serves as a carbon-sequestering, nutrient-rich soil amendment, supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biochar produced provides a sustainable alternative to chemical soil amendments and promotes waste-to-resource solutions.

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