Carbon-based emitter derived from biomass waste for subsurface irrigation: Fabrication, properties, and applications

Abstract

The development of recyclable and cost-effective irrigation products is crucial for scaling up water-saving irrigation technology on an industrial level. This research presents a pioneering method for subsurface irrigation by creating a sustainable, low-cost carbon-based emitter (CBE) from biomass straw. The blends of raw materials and manufacturing techniques on CBE's structural attributes, mechanical strength and production costs were investigated. The findings reveal that the CBEs are primarily composed of carbon (C) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), featuring a significant number of oxygen-rich groups. They showcase a honeycomb-like pore configuration with open porosity ranging between 30% and 41%, and demonstrate flexural strength values between 0.40 MPa and 1.53 MPa. The cost to produce a single CBE is approximately 1.12 RMB. Optimal mass ratios of straw, phenolic resin, and clay for the emitters are identified at 26:39:52, balancing cost with performance. CBEs are conducive to low-pressure subsurface irrigation and promote the natural breakdown of spent emitters on-site, which reduces their disposal costs and benefits soil health by enhancing porosity and organic carbon content. Overall, this study introduces an innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly strategy for producing CBEs, utilizing biomass as a resource to create reliable, custom-made irrigation components that support ecological conservation and the broader adoption of water-efficient technologies.