Effects of black carbon and biochar coated urea on greenhouse gas emissions

Chemical nitrogen fertilizers applied to the soil are easily lost, reducing crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The loss of fertilizer nitrogen will also result in nitrate contamination of surface water and emission of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. Western Ag has developed a coating technique where a powder form of black carbon (produced through the pyrolysis of used tire rubber) is used to coat regular urea to slow down the release of nitrogen and reduce nitrogen loss. The pyrolysis of agricultural biomass can produce a cheaper form of black carbon (called biochar). We will test the use of black carbon and biochar to coat urea. We will then study the effects on the release of greenhouse gases, with a focus on nitrous oxide, when the coated urea is applied to the soil in a laboratory incubation experiment. The results will help the industry partner to refine the urea coating technology to maximize the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Chang

Student:

Partner:

Western Ag Innovations Inc.

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta

Program: