QF research explores using organic waste to boost food produ… – MENAFN.COM

QF research explores using organic waste to boost food produ… – MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) In an effort to find a more efficient waste disposal solution and to boost food production in the country, a team of researchers from Qatar Foundation's (QF) Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is exploring the means to utilise food waste and other organic matter for producing biochar, Gulf Times has learnt. The research is led by Dr Gordon McKay, professor of sustainable development at HBKU and funded by QF's Qatar National Research Fund. Installation of a large pilot plant for the project at Education City is also expected later this year. Biochar, also known as agriculture's black gold due to its charcoal-like appearance, adds great value to the soil. ''Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that's produced when agricultural waste, plant matter (leaves, trunks, roots), manure or other organic material is heated in a zero- or low-oxygen environment - a process known as pyrolysis," said Dr Hamish Mackey, associate professor, College of Science and Engineering (C SE), HBKU. Preliminary studies by the group using biochar produced from local waste cabbage have been "very promising". Pot tests were done by adding biochar to sandy soil to investigate the effect of biochar on the growth of basil plants. Adding