Biochar as bulking agent for poultry litter composting

Bulking agents are used in manure composting in order to provide optimal bulk density and aeration of the composting mixture; they also have an impact on the quality of the final product. Biochar (carbonized organic materials) seems to have ideal properties for use as bulking agents. In this study, a significant increase in CO2 respiration rates from poultry litter amended with biochar was found. The first respiration maxima increased by 44% and total respiration increased by 28%. The conversion of organic materials to either compost or biochar may depend on the nature of materials and both applications may supplement each other.