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Updated: Jan 26, 2026
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Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.
Published on: June 4, 2021
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Phosphorous Retention and Release by Sludge-Derived Hydrochar for Potential Use as a Soil Amendment
Journal of Environmental Quality
|April 6, 2019
Summary
Hydrothermal carbonization of sludge creates hydrochars rich in phosphorus (P). These hydrochars can be used as soil amendments, increasing available P and offering a sustainable solution for waste sludge disposal.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) deficiency in soils and excessive waste sludge are significant environmental and agricultural challenges.
- Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) offers a method to convert waste sludge into hydrochars for potential resource recovery.
- Characterizing sludge-derived hydrochars is crucial due to their variable properties compared to pyrochars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sludge-derived hydrochars for phosphorus (P) content, fractionation, and P release/availability.
- To assess the P adsorption and desorption behavior of hydrochars.
- To determine the impact of hydrochar soil amendment on P availability.
Main Methods:
- Sludge-derived hydrochars were analyzed for total P content and P fractionation.
- In vitro P release and availability tests were conducted.
- P adsorption-desorption isotherms were determined.
- Soil incubation experiments were performed with hydrochar amendments.
Main Results:
- Hydrochars contained high total P (up to 25,175 mg kg), with a shift from free to bound P fractions.
- Available P in hydrochars exceeded soil demand (>417 mg kg).
- Hydrochars exhibited high phosphate adsorption capacity (up to 23,815 mg kg) and readily released adsorbed P.
- Soil amendment with 1% P-laden hydrochar increased soil available P by 8.93 mg kg.
Conclusions:
- Sludge-derived hydrochars are a viable source of P for soil amendment.
- Hydrochars can act as P carriers, with potential for slow-release fertilizer applications.
- HTC of sludge presents a promising strategy for P recycling and waste management.
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