Characterisation of Biomasses for Their Valorisation in Energy and Biochar Production: Case of Cotton Stalks, Maize Rachis and Rice Husk

The main source of energy for most African families remains firewood. The exploitation of this resource is the main cause of accelerated environmental degradation with its consequences which are climate change and soil impoverishment. However, agricultural residues are often available and even abandoned in fields after harvest. In this regard, we have characterized three biomass with no economic value in order to use them for the production of biochar to improve soil quality while providing the energy necessary for household cooking. Our research was based on the following biomasses: cotton stalks, maize rachis and rice husks. The study made it possible to characterize the biomasses which could be used for combustion and/or pyrolysis. From the results obtained, we could observe a high ash content in the rice husk (24.21%) against 2.41% for cotton stalks and 2.00% for maize rachis. These results influence the calorific value of the rice husk, thus allowing it to be used matter in pyrolysis and not in combustion. In addition, cotton stalks and corn rachis can be used both as fuel and as biomass to be pyrolyzed.