The effect of pyrolysis conditions on the quality of biochar produced from beans shaft applied as an enhancer for beans plant growth

Adesina, Aramide Adenike and Yusuf, Motunrayo Fatimah and Abbey, Moyosore Dorcas and Agbaje, Oreoluwa Ruth and Shorinolu, Sarah Ibukunoluwa and Akinbomi, Julius Gbenga (2025) The effect of pyrolysis conditions on the quality of biochar produced from beans shaft applied as an enhancer for beans plant growth. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 22 (3). pp. 113-122. ISSN 2582-5003

Biochar has emerged as an innovative material with promising applications in soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and sustainable agriculture. Derived from the thermal decomposition of biomass under oxygen‐limited conditions, biochar’s properties are highly dependent on the conditions under which it is produced. This article investigates the influence of pyrolysis conditions on the quality of biochar produced from beans shaft, a readily available agricultural residue and the possible effect of these conditions on enhancing plant growth. Biochar from beans shaft was pyrolysed at different temperatures of 350 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C and at different reaction times of 40 min and 80 min. The effect of these pyrolysis conditions was assessed by carrying out elemental and structural analysis of the produced biochar. The results reveal that the biochar produced at 350 °C and 40 min retained reactive functional groups that made it a viable and effective tool for enhancing plant growth. Further results showed that at higher temperatures (above 350 °C), the pore size of biochar increased which makes biochar well-suited for soil bioremediation. However, specifically for plant growth, producing biochar at low temperatures and short reaction times produced the best result. This study provides clear evidence that biochar quality is highly sensitive to pyrolysis conditions. Also, careful control of pyrolysis conditions is essential to produce biochar with tailored properties for specific applications.