Positive impact of biochar amendment on thermal balance during swine manure composting at relatively low ambient temperature

In this study, the effects of biochar amendment on swine manure composting performance at temperatures in the -5 degrees C-15 degrees C range was investigated. Monitoring result showed biochar addition significantly prolonged thermophilic stage duration to meet harmless standards of livestock manure compost at 5 degrees C, assisting a seemingly difficult composting to succeed. Additionally, from viewpoint of thermal balance, biochar increased organic matter degradation derived heat from 50.4% to 86.5% and water vaporization heat from 29.6% to 73.5% while decreasing heat exchange by two-fold. Overall, the results presented herein indicated that biochar has potential to play a positive role in amelioration of animal manure composting at relatively low ambient temperature and provide insight into how biochar influences heat generation and flow during composting.