h a l f b a k e r ySugar and spice and unfettered insensibility.
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Notwithstanding the debate on anthropogenic climate
change...
Atmospheric CO2 levels show a very distinct seasonal
cycle, ostensibly as a result of northern hemisphere
deciduous forests. [i’ll link, but it’s the Mauna Loa NOAA
CO2 data I think]
Assuming that it would be a good thing to
sequester
atmospheric CO2 in the most cost-effective, least-
energy-
intensive way...
Every autumn, billions [pending data] of tonnes of CO2
and
methane are emitted by decomposing seasonal leaf
litter.
The biomass of autumn leaves could be collected, and
processed by pyrolysis, to produce Biochar (which can be
used as a soil improver for agricultural soils, and
permanently [link pending] sequesters atmospheric
carbon), and pyrolysis gasses and oils which can be used
as
feedstocks for fuel oils or synthetic chemicals, or to
generate electricity or heat, or an adjustable
combination
of those.
Which overcomes some of the arguments against large-
scale biomass-pyrolysis-Biochar sequestration.
The downside might be that the “active carbon” in the
forest soils would be reduced, and this might have a
detrimental effect on overall soil health.
[link]
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The carbon in bio char lasts about a thousand years give or take a few.
The best bio char is made from hard wood as you get the most carbon packed into the densest framework. From what I've read you'd get more ash from leaves than char. Ash is also good if your plants like sweet soil though. |
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Be sure to factor in the energy expended in collecting, transporting and processing the leaves. That includes the energy/resource inputs to construct the vehicles and facilities. If the buildings use a lot of concrete that's going to be hugely carbon-negative ... |
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Oohh, can it be made to look like a wicker
man? |
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Ok, I’ll do some numbers. Overall, collecting
leaves will be less energy (and carbon) intensive
than agriculture per tonne - no fertilisers,
insecticides or ploughing required. Infrastructure
to process depends on the balance of output
(Biochar/fuels/electricity) but will be comparable
to other food and energy processes |
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<Throws half-bag of wine gums to [n_m_rm]/> |
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