Biochar for Ammonia Suppression

Litter amendments used by the poultry industry target ammonia suppression in poultry houses and result in the improvement of bird performance and potentially reduce air emissions into the environment. Biochar has been used for many years as a filtering medium for both water and air purification. Use of biochar to sequester ammonia from poultry manure or poultry house air is the focus of current research by UGA poultry scientists. Several studies have been initiated to evaluate ammonia suppression through the use of biochar as a litter amendment and feed supplement to improve the in-house environment of commercial broiler operations. The use of biochar as an ammonia suppression product has the potential to enhance poultry grower income by improving air quality in poultry housing and subsequent bird performance. Enhanced performance results from improved weight gain and feed efficiency. If the use of biochar by the poultry industry comes to fruition, it will also provide another avenue for the use of green energy technology.