Sludge-Derived Soil Amendment for Alkaline Soil Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saline-alkali soils are highly alkaline and barren, making it difficult for plants to grow and posing challenges for carbon capture, while existing remediation methods may cause secondary pollution or disrupt carbon capture functions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the stabilization of sludge through aerobic composting, followed by extraction of humus and soluble organic matter, and subsequent pyrolysis to produce biochar, which is then mixed with the stabilized sludge product to create a soil amendment that enhances carbon capture and improves soil health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If saline-alkali soil is used for carbon capture, then carbon capture capacity is enhanced, but soil degradation and ecological imbalance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effects of saline-alkali soil (high pH, low organic matter) into beneficial conditions for carbon capture. The soil amendment formulation specifically targets these harmful properties while enhancing carbon sequestration capacity, transforming the degraded soil into a functional carbon sink.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key soil parameters (pH, organic matter content, nutrient composition) through the application of formulated soil amendment. The amendment contains specific ratios of organic matter, nutrients, and conditioning agents that change the soil's physical and chemical properties to simultaneously improve carbon capture and reduce degradation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sludge is applied to alkaline soil for remediation, then soil improvement is achieved, but secondary pollution may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes harmful substances from sludge through stabilization and conditioning processes. The soil amendment formulation selectively incorporates beneficial components while excluding or neutralizing harmful substances, preventing secondary pollution while maintaining remediation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a formulated soil amendment as an intermediary substance between sludge and alkaline soil. This amendment acts as a mediator that processes and conditions the sludge components, allowing safe application to soil without direct contamination, thus preventing secondary pollution.
3Ease of operation
If conventional soil amendment is applied to alkaline soil, then plant growth is improved, but carbon capture function is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a soil amendment formulation that simultaneously performs multiple functions: improving plant growth conditions (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium supplementation) and enhancing carbon capture capacity (organic matter addition, pH adjustment). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need to choose between plant growth and carbon sequestration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively improves alkaline soil conditions, supports plant growth, and enhances long-lasting carbon capture without secondary pollution, while also utilizing sludge resources and reducing water and soil loss.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting sludge to aerobic composting to obtain a stabilized product A
Implementation Method 2
subjecting one part of the stabilized product A to extraction to obtain humus B
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the other part of the stabilized product A to hydrothermal extraction to obtain a soluble organic matter rich in amino acids and organic salts, and conducting evaporation to dryness to obtain a mixture C
Implementation Method 4
subjecting a residue obtained during the extraction of the humus B and the mixture C to pyrolysis to obtain biochar D rich in metal oxides
Implementation Method 5
mixing the soil amendment E with alkaline soil 0 cm to 30 cm under the surface layer in a rolling-over manner
Implementation Method 6
conducting sprinkler irrigation to keep a field capacity of 40% to 50% by weight per weight (w/w)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for improving alkaline soil and enhancing carbon capture using a sludge stabilization product. The method includes the following steps: subjecting sludge to aerobic composting to obtain a stabilized product A; subjecting one part of the stabilized product A to extraction to obtain humus B; subjecting the other part of the stabilized product A to hydrothermal extraction to obtain a soluble organic matter rich in amino acids and organic salts, and conducting evaporation to dryness to obtain a mixture C; subjecting a residue obtained during the extraction of the humus B and the mixture C to pyrolysis to obtain biochar D rich in metal oxides; mixing the stabilized product A, the humus B, the mixture C, and the biochar D fully to obtain a soil amendment E; and applying the soil amendment E to a surface layer of alkaline soil, and then cultivating a plant.