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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar produced from tropical biomass resources at different processing temperatures on methane production and rumen fermentation in vitro. Two available tropical biomass resources of rice husk and peanut shell were used for pyrolysis at three temperature levels of 300, 500 and 700oC. Biochar was supplemented at 3% in diets of dry matter basis. In vitro fermentation characteristics and methane production were measured at 4, 24 and 48h after incubation. Results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of (i) gas and methane production, (ii) dry matter and organic matter digestibility (iii) pH and NH3-N concentration between diets supplemented either rice husk or peanut shell drived biochar in an in vitro system (P>0.05). Whereas, different processing temperatures affected on total gas, production of methane and NH3-N concentration (P≤0.05), increasing processing temperature decreased methane production. There were no interactions between biomass resources and processing temperature on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production. These results implicate that rice husk and peanut shell derived biochar produced at 700oC can be used to mitigate methane emission from cattle production, further in vivo studies are required to confirm practical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of biogas potential in Vietnam is highly needed to provide sufficient information for authorities properly support their future policy decisions. To achieve the aim of this investigation, two methods were applied: (i) the method for calculation of the amount of manure and its biogas potential from chosen livestock obtained from statistical data and (ii) the method for future forecast using middle scenario applications based on previous development of specific category, presuming homogenous continuation of growth. The total biogas energy potential in Vietnam was quantified to approximate 120,000 T Jy-1 in 2015 and has the potential of increasing to 127,000 TJ y-1 by 2020. However, when considering current manure management practices (including accessibility factor and collection efficiency) biogas potential was quantified to the values of almost 67,000 T Jy-1 in 2015 and over 71,000 T Jy-1 by 2020 if the current manure management practices remain unchanged. Biogas has the potential of generating renewable energy, while meeting requirements related to waste treatment and minimizing environmental impacts. This study shows that animal waste is a promising sustainable energy source in Vietnam which can be efficiently utilized for the generation of biogas energy as well as electricity. Furthermore, anaerobic digestion of livestock waste has the potential to play a vital role in farming systems by adding value to agricultural waste and livestock excreta, and reducing their presence in the environment therefore enhancing public health. There is a high development potential for the decentralized energy generation due to the exploitation of small-scale biogas plants in Vietnam. However, it is essential to realize that competition to other energy generating technologies is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]