ABSTRACT Study on preparation of pyrolysed
lignocellulose from Acacia wood as soilless planting media was carried out
using pyrolysis technique. Main components of lignocellulose are hemicellulose,
cellulose and lignin. Acacia wood was initially subjected to thermogravimetric
analysis (TGA) to identify degradation temperature and degradation period of
components present in the lignocellulose. Lignocellulosic material of Acacia
wood later went through pyrolysis in a furnace at a temperature range of 240°C
- 380°C for three periods of time namely 15 minutes, 35 minutes and 40 minutes.
Determination of pH and water absorption test as well as characterization using
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) and BET were carried out on every samples. Selection of samples to be
used as planting media was based on results of analyses carried out.
Preparation of planting media was divided into three types namely 100%
pyrolysed lignocellulose, 100% gravels and a mixture of pyrolysed
lignocellulose and gravels (50:50). Propagation test on cutting of Azadirachta
indica was studied. Propagation was carried out in three different planting
media for a period of two weeks.
Keywords: lignocellulose; pyrolysis;
soilless planting media; Azadirachta indica
