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[av_heading heading=’URBAN FARMER | Technology to produce charcoal from bamboo’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Monday, May 29, 2017
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A TECHNOLOGY for producing high quality charcoal was developed by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).
The project dubbed “High Quality Charcoal from Bamboo for Industrial Uses” is monitored and funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST).
The project aims to produce high quality charcoal for various industrial uses through the improvement of an existing charcoaling kiln.
The machine was designed by Engr. Belen B. Bisana, the project leader from FPRDI.
Bamboo charcoaling kiln can also produce pyroligneous liquor (PL) or wood vinegar recovered from the destructive distillation of bamboo when it is converted into charcoal.
When bamboo is used as a raw material, the resulting charcoal can perform like activated carbon.
The improved charcoaling kiln can yield 34.56 to 44.50 percent of charcoal, compared with the traditionally used pit, drum, and brick kilns, which can only yield 25 to 31 percent.
Classified under PCAARRD-DOST’s strategic R&D banner program, the developed technology is envisioned to alleviate poverty by creating employment in the rural areas.
The next phase of the project is the development of products out of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar.
Aside from these products, bamboo is also a source of raw materials for the construction of houses, production of handicraft and furniture, and implementation of livelihood programs.
Bamboo was seen as an alternative crop which has a potential soil-trapping capability.
In particular, the roots of the giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) can efficiently absorb excess water and bind the soil together, thus reducing erosion.
Giant bamboo, which releases more oxygen than trees, will also help stabilize riverbanks, regulate watersheds, protect against soil erosion, and recycle water nutrients.
In a study conducted by a team of researchers from the Central Mindanao University showed that giant bamboo can cut soil losses, decrease water discharge, and lower sediment yield.
The researchers said that these factors can help minimize soil erosion and landslides.
The project assessed the contribution of giant bamboo, one of the most abundant bamboo species in Northern Mindanao, to environmental services.
Specifically, the project observed the benefits of bamboo in the Taganibong Watershed in Musuan, Bukidnon.
At the Taganibong Watershed, soil erosion was measured every time it rains through the erosion bar method.
During a period of two years, data showed that giant bamboo can cut soil losses by about 75 percent or 22.66 tons per hectare (ton/ha) per year, compared with 90.12 ton/ha per year in an open area.
The study also revealed that the incidence of displaced soil particles are lessened by 80 percent, while a river near a giant bamboo plantation decreased water discharge by 85 percent.
Bamboo foliage can also help in intercepting raindrops and minimize the impact to the soil surface.
Bamboo litters can also shield the soil from the impact of raindrops as decomposed litter improves soil structure and promotes water entry by 40 percent.
This further reduces surface flow, translating to minimized soil erosion and landslides. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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