Training Program Outline; Draft

Transcription

1 Training Program Outline; Draft Content The following is a proposed agenda. Initials indicate the person who will be either providing a lecture and/or guiding discussions (GP = Prof Pan, SJ Prof Joseph, A C Abbie Clare, LL Prof Lee). Please note that we wish the participants to actively participate in each of the sessions. Emphasis will be placed on participants giving their experiences. We are hoping to put out a proceedings in electronic which collects all of the material and the discussions that take place Sunday; Registration 4.00pm 5.00pm Introduction of Participants 6.30 Welcome Party; Monday AM 8.30 late registration Welcome of NAU Welcome by IBI Aims and Content of Course Housekeeping, Introduction of new participant (SJ/GP) Historical use of charcoal and wood vinegar as soil amendment (SJ) Case studies from Africa, Asia, Australia and South America Biochar; An Introduction (GP) Definition and Overview; Where are the knowledge gaps. Biochar and C sequestration in soil Tea Break Stability of biochar vs. original feedstock Positive and negative carbon mineralisation priming effects The Science of Biochar and Soil SJ/GP A review of the scientific literature and assessment of areas of uncertainty on: The Physical, Chemical and Electrical Properties of Biochar and Wood Vinegar; an overview 60minutes

2 Characterisation and Testing of Biochar; IBI guidelines for testing of biochars and other test procedures (e.g Edinburgh University) Alternatives being developed pm Lunch pm; Practical Tour of the Biochar Centre Labs and also Electrophysiology Biochar blending and testing; Participants, with no background will learn how to do basic tests. Participants with a background in testing will formulate blends and then do basic testing Questions and discussion on the days content 6.30 Tour of town and meal Tuesday Choosing Biochars for Specific Soils and Plants SS, LL, SJ Matching biochars to soil types and plant nutrient requirements. What is known at present. Areas of knowledge and areas of uncertainty. University of Endinburgh is developing an approach and both UNSW and Nanjing Ag Uni have experiences that will be shared. Edinburgh Approach UNSW Experience Nanjing Experience Morning tea a) The Science and Engineering of Biochar Production SJ Process conditions affecting biochar properties Effect of type of feedstock on biochar properties A review of technology from large scale continuous units to small scale units Knowledge gaps Evaluating technology to meet specific needs Setting up Design Criteria Asking for detailed information from manufacturers Evaluating information against criteria

3 Methods of applying biochar to soil and potential issues Improving Biochars SJ, WW and GP Post treatments and formulations of blends Biochar delivery to soils Experience in China; Lunch pm. Practical; Making and Applying biochar to the soil. (SJ/GP/LL) To be decided but we hope to get the mobile pyrolyser from Shanxi Gongxiao Cooperative, China Show different methods of applying biochar and different forms; pellets granules, power and liquid. Participants will draw up a program to develop specific blends. Wednesday Visit to Factory at Anhui; Biofert Biotechnology Company Mr Liu Fuli, Chizhou, Anhui Province Site Tour pm lunch pm visit field biochar test sites back to Nanjjng. Thursday Feedback on trip and setting up field trials (LL/GP) Discussion of Field Trip How to establish field trials that assist in developing larger projects or businesses Presentation of the business of San Li bio energy business Tea Break A Systems Approach to Developing and Implementing Biochar Programs; (AC and SJ) Understanding the context (Sustainable Livelihood Model)

4 Developing a systems model that considers the combine elements of sustainable food production and generating renewable energy. Carrying out baseline surveys to determine needs and resources, traditional practices, political and socio economic factors Tea Break Designing Biochar Projects (SJ) Developing objectives and criteria Outline of the project components, timing and resourcing Choosing technology and specification of end products People and training requirements Monitoring and evaluation p.m. Lunch p.m. Practical; Designing a biochar project for your Area/Country; An Outline Participants will work on an outline plan pm Presentation and Discussion of Plans Friday 9 11 Developing Biochar Businesses (Guest+SJ) Models for Establishing Successful Biochar businesses. Developing a business Developing a business plan Barriers in the development stage and strategies for overcoming these barriers Financing Choosing markets Product development Technology development or selection Tea Break am Guidelines for the sustainable production of biochar. (Guest to be decided) Use of LCA for determine the sustainable outcomes; A case study (Guest to be decided) pm Lunch pm Developing an outline business plan pm Presentation of business plan

5 6.00?? Biochar Party; Bring an instrument prepare a song or a poem. Students and Faculty from NAU will join us. Saturday Discussion/Questions related to all of the course material Tea Break Evaluation of the Course pm Closing