Development of innovative solutions for the agronomic use of biomass ash from corn ethanol plants

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In the ethanol manufacturing process, the plants demand a large amount of biomass for burning and heat generation, consequently generating a significant amount of ash. Naturally, this residual material needs to have an adequate final destination, in order to avoid polluting the environment and also, to take advantage of the nutrients contained in the ashes. The composition of the ashes varies greatly, as it depends on the quality of the wood and also on the operating conditions of the boilers. Among the nutrients that can be found in ashes, calcium is in the form of quicklime (CaO) which gradually becomes calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and when water is added to lime, calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), which is slaked lime. These characteristics promote a high alkaline action to the material, which can contribute to the correction of soil acidity. Another important point, which should be studied in this proposal, is the development of at least one formulation based on biomass ash with other raw materials (bovine manure, rock dust, etc.), in order to improve the physical characteristics of the product, facilitate mechanized application, in terms of application uniformity and operational performance. (Google translation)

Status: In progress Start date: Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2022 Conclusion date: Tue Dec 31 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2024

Head Unit: Embrapa Agrosilvopastoral

Project leader: Fabiana Abreu de Rezende

Contact: fabiana.rezende@embrapa.br