Pereira, et al (2024) BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More as an Alternative Litter Additive to Mitigate Gaseous Emissions from Broiler Housing and Subsequent Storage. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071595

Broiler farming, a major source of protein, also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). As environmental regulations tighten, finding effective ways to mitigate these emissions is crucial. One promising solution is the use of biochar as a litter additive.

In a study by Pereira et al., the effectiveness of biochar, aluminum sulfate (alum), and urease inhibitor as litter additives was assessed over a 35-day broiler fattening cycle. The additives aimed to reduce the emissions of NH3, N2O, carbon dioxide (CO2), and CH4 from broiler housing and the subsequent storage of manure.

The study involved 12 environmentally controlled rooms, each housing 22 Ross 308 broilers. Litter material was treated with 10% w/w of either alum or biochar, or 2.50 mg/m² of urease inhibitor, with one set of rooms serving as a control. The emissions were measured throughout the fattening cycle and during a subsequent 90-day manure storage period.

Results showed that biochar and alum were both highly effective in reducing NH3 emissions during the broiler housing stage, achieving reductions of 58% and 60% respectively. The urease inhibitor also reduced NH3 emissions by 41%, but its effect decreased over time, indicating a need for reapplication. In terms of CO2 emissions, alum reduced them by 26%, while biochar and urease inhibitor showed an 11% reduction, although the latter was not statistically significant. For CH4 emissions, no significant differences were found among treatments, though a slight increase was observed with biochar.

During the manure storage stage, the effectiveness of these additives in reducing emissions diminished. While alum continued to show a slight reduction in NH3 emissions, biochar and urease inhibitor did not significantly impact NH3, N2O, CO2, or CH4 emissions compared to the control. This suggests that the benefits of these additives are more pronounced during the housing stage rather than storage.

Overall, the study concludes that biochar is a viable alternative to alum for mitigating NH3 emissions in broiler housing. Its use aligns well with the goals of a circular economy and sustainable farming practices. Although biochar is more expensive than alum, it offers additional environmental benefits, such as improving soil fertility when used as a fertilizer after manure application.

In terms of cost, biochar is estimated at €70 per 1,000 broilers, significantly higher than alum at €10 per 1,000 broilers. However, urease inhibitor is the least expensive at €0.11 per 1,000 broilers, but its need for specialized application equipment could increase overall costs.

The implications of these findings are significant for the poultry industry, which is under increasing pressure to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. By incorporating biochar into broiler housing, farmers can achieve substantial reductions in harmful emissions without compromising the health and performance of the broilers. This not only helps in meeting regulatory requirements but also contributes to broader environmental sustainability goals.