Control of pyrolysis conditions and feedstock for the production of desirable compounds

Abstract

A method for increasing the production of desired inorganic or organic compounds, including soluble signaling compounds, from the pyrolysis of biomass is provided comprising the steps of: (i) obtaining a biomass source; (ii) pyrolyzing the biomass source at various temperatures between 400-600° C. and, at each of the various temperatures, retaining the biomass within the region of higher heating temperature for a period of not longer than one day and not less than 1 minute whereby the pyrolysis of the biomass at various temperature for various hold times produces various biochars; (iii) creating extracts from each of the various biochars produced at varying temperatures and hold times; (iv) determining which of the extracts from each of the various biochars produced at varying temperatures and hold times produces the most desired soluble signaling compound; and (v) collecting biochar extract from biochar produced at the temperature and heat treatment time determined to produce the most desired soluble signaling compound. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. A biochar having high levels of desirable organic compounds or soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of the desirable organic compounds. The desirable soluble signaling compounds may be those known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth. Such desirable compounds can be collected in a biochar extract by contacting the biochar with an extraction media.