Poo for future: Community Engagement through Biochar Innovation by Utilizing Sewage Sludge for Enhanced Agricultural Practices and Climate Resilience

The "Superchar" project aims to develop a nutrient-release biochar derived from sewage sludge, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while addressing pressing environmental and food security challenges. By leveraging sewage sludge as a feedstock, this initiative not only offers a cost-effective and accessible solution but also addresses the complexities associated with managing potentially contaminated human waste. The Superchar is engineered to increase soil carbon stocks, sequester atmospheric CO2, and serve as a slow-release fertilizer for phosphorus and potassium, thus enhancing food security in vulnerable communities. Our approach emphasizes the importance of community engagement by establishing a local value chain, especially in rural areas where phosphorus scarcity poses significant problems. The innovative technique of "mineral doping" involves pyrolyzing phosphorus-rich sewage sludge with potassium-rich organic materials to produce water-soluble potassium phosphates, facilitating the recovery of vital nutrients for agricultural use. We have created five different biochars from sewage sludge, chicken manure, and pyrolyzed straw, processed at a controlled temperature of 650°C. These biochars are currently undergoing evaluation in a series of flow-through column experiments designed to simulate real-world conditions. Each column assembly of washed sand and biochar undergoes regular hydration and sampling, allowing us to meticulously monitor parameters such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient release. Moreover, we are collaborating with Mosan (mosan.com), a non-governmental organization working at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, to assess the effectiveness of mineral doping and the impact of biochar on crop growth. If proven successful, the Superchar model promises not only a low-tech, economically viable solution for carbon sequestration and sustainable fertilization but also creates pathways for regenerative agricultural practices, vital for addressing climate change and promoting socioeconomic development. Our findings hold the potential to revolutionize negative emission technologies, thereby advancing agricultural nutrient management strategies that align with sustainable development goals. This project serves as a prime example of how community engagement and innovative research can lead to transformative outcomes in the realms of climate resilience and food security.