Padam Prasad Paudel

@afu.edu.np

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering;
Agricultural and Forestry University

Padam Prasad Paudel


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https://researchid.co/paudelpadam
Agricultural Engineer | Environmental Advocate | Instructor at Agriculture and Forestry University

Researching sustainability, agricultural mechanization, and renewable energy. Focused on waste management, conservation agriculture, and the green economy.

Research Interests:

Sustainability & Environment: Waste Management, Green Economy
Agricultural Mechanization & Conservation Agriculture
Renewable Energy: Bioenergy, Solar Energy
Motto: Respect these 3 things (EAE): Environment, Agriculture, and Energy.

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering from Kangwon National University, South Korea
Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Physics and Astronomy
13

Scopus Publications

141

Scholar Citations

6

Scholar h-index

3

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Comparative emission and energy performance of biochar production versus in-situ burning of Gorean agrobyproducts
    Sunyong Park, Kwang Cheol Oh, Seok Jun Kim, Padam Prasad Paudel, Seon Yeop Kim, Kyeong Sik Kang, Sunhwa Ryu, DaeHyun Kim
    Plos One, 2026
    Uncontrolled open-field burning of agricultural residues remains a pervasive source of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in Korea, particularly for high-burning-ratio crops such as perilla, pepper, pear, grape, and apple residues. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and energy implications of replacing open-field burning with biochar production from these major residue streams. First, mass- and energy-normalized emission factors for CO, CH₄, CO₂, NOₓ, N₂O, and particulate matter were quantified for both in-situ combustion and biochar combustion scenarios. Although biochar exhibited higher mass-based emission factors due to carbon and nitrogen enrichment during pyrolysis, the substantially lower mass required to deliver equivalent energy output resulted in markedly reduced annual emissions. System-level calculations showed that shifting from open-field burning to biochar conversion decreased CO, CH₄, and CO₂ emissions by 40.6–46.5%, NOₓ and N₂O emissions by 29.9–92.7%, and particulate emissions by 14.7–86.6%. Energy analysis demonstrated that biochar production is energetically favorable, with energy inputs of 2.65–3.50 MJ/kg and energy return on investment (EROI) values ranging from 8.57 to 10.06, exceeding the conventional viability threshold of 3.0. Apple pruning residues showed the highest biochar and net energy potentials, corresponding to 36.45 GWh/yr of electricity generation when co-fired in existing thermal power plants. Finally, greenhouse gas impacts were evaluated using 100-year global warming potential metrics. The biochar pathway reduced annual climate impacts by approximately 192,967 tCO₂eq/yr relative to baseline burning, translating to an estimated carbon-credit benefit of 4.44 billion KRW under 2020 market conditions. Overall, the findings indicate that biochar conversion provides a viable and impactful strategy for mitigating emissions and enhancing renewable energy recovery from agricultural residues in Korea.
  • Artificial neural network modeling for prediction and optimization of biochar yield and properties
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Sunyong Park, Kwang Cheol Oh, Dae Hyun Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2026
  • Comprehensive study on microwave pyrolysis process variables and operating modes for optimized biochar production
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Sunyong Park, Seok Jun Kim, Seon Yeop Kim, Kyeong Sik Kang, Kyung Jin Kim, Dae Hyun Kim
    Bioresource Technology, 2025
  • Fuel Properties of Torrefied Pellets from Maize Residues and Cocopeat Byproducts
    Sunyong Park, Seon Yeop Kim, Kwang Cheol Oh, Seok Jun Kim, Padam Prasad Paudel, Do Su Park, Kyeong Sik Kang, Sun Hwa Ryu, Dae Hyun Kim
    Biomass Switzerland, 2025
    Agricultural residues such as maize byproducts and discarded cocopeat substrates are abundant but underutilised biomass resources. Improving their fuel quality requires densification, such as pelletisation, combined with thermochemical upgrading. In this study, pellets were prepared by blending cocopeat and maize residues at weight ratios of 9:1, 7:3, and 5:5, followed by torrefaction at 220, 250, and 280 °C. Their fuel characteristics were evaluated through mass yield, elemental and proximate analyses, chemical composition, calorific value, combustion indices, and grindability. Results showed that increasing maize residue content reduced ash and fuel ratio but increased volatile matter, while cocopeat-rich pellets provided higher fixed carbon and lignin contents, improving thermal stability. Torrefaction significantly enhanced calorific value (up to 21.83 MJ/kg) and grindability, while increasing aromaticity. However, higher torrefaction severity decreased the combustibility index but improved volatile ignitability, indicating a trade-off between ignition behaviour and stable combustion. An optimal balance was observed at 250 °C, where energy yield and combustion performance were maximised. This study demonstrates the feasibility of valorising discarded cocopeat substrates, blended with maize residues, into renewable solid fuels, and provides practical guidance for optimising blending ratios and torrefaction conditions in waste-to-energy applications.
  • Multi-response optimization using novel metrics for accurate biochar quantification in microwave pyrolysis of agroforestry byproducts
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Seok Jun Kim, Sunyong Park, Kwang Cheol Oh, Seon Yeop Kim, et al.
    Energy Conversion and Management, 2025
  • Energy recovery from Ginkgo biloba urban pruning wastes: pyrolysis optimization and fuel property enhancement for high-grade charcoal productions
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Sunyong Park, Kwang Cheol Oh, Seok Jun Kim, Seon Yeop Kim, et al.
    Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining, 2025
    Ginkgo biloba trees are widely planted in urban areas of developed countries for their resilience, longevity and aesthetic appeal. Annual pruning to control tree size, shape and interference with traffic and pedestrians generates large volumes of unutilized Ginkgo biomass. This study aimed to valorize these pruning residues into charcoal by optimizing pyrolysis conditions and evaluating its fuel properties. The pyrolysis experiment was conducted at 400–600°C, after oven drying pretreatment. The mass yield of charcoal was found to vary from 27.33 to 32.05% and the approximate volume shrinkage was found to be 41.19–49.97%. The fuel properties of the charcoals were evaluated using the moisture absorption test, proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetry, calorimetry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The calorific value improved from 20.76 to 34.26 MJ kg −1 with energy yield up to 46.75%. Charcoal exhibited superior thermal stability and better combustion performance. The results revealed satisfactory properties compared with other biomass, coal and biochar standards. The product complied with first‐grade standards at 550 and 600°C and second‐grade wood charcoal standards at other temperatures. However, higher concentrations of some heavy metals like Zn indicate the need for pretreatment and further research on co‐pyrolysis for resource optimization. This study highlights the dual benefits of waste management and renewable energy, providing insights for urban planning and policymaking.
  • Investigation of using eggshell and calcium carbonate to improve biomass pellet energy efficiency
    Sunyong Park, Kwang Cheol Oh, Do Su Park, Seok Jun Kim, Padam Prasad Paudel, Seon Yeop Kim, Kyung Jin Kim, Kyeong Sik Kang, Dae Hyun Kim
    Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2025
  • Development and validation of mass reduction prediction model during torrefaction using biomass chemical composition analysis
    Sunyong Park, Kyeong Sik Kang, Kwang Cheol Oh, Seok Jun Kim, Paudel Padam Prasad, Seon Yeop Kim, Ha Eun Kim, Jae Youl Shin, DaeHyun Kim
    Plos One, 2025
    Thermochemical processes employ heat to transform biomass into energy. In these processes, heat supply and biomass type can affect the products, therefore understanding them is critical. Confirming these changes directly requires time and resources. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain these changes. So, the purpose of this work was to investigate mass loss during thermochemical reactions utilising available kinetic parameters. This study comprised previously pyrolysed herbal agricultural biomass (soybean pod, corncob), woody agricultural biomass (pepper stem, grape pruning branch), and forestry biomass (wood pellet, bamboo). Temperature fluctuations were studied using a 1D temperature prediction model and evaluated using kinetic parameters. The findings anticipated using prior research’ kinetic parameters differed by up to 20% from the experimental results. As a result, some of the kinetic parameters were adjusted. The prediction model with the changed parameters outperformed the prior results, with an RMSE of 2.0607 for wood pellets and 5.9754 for soybean pods. The results obtained using grape pruning branches, bamboo, and corncobs confirmed the mass reduction predicted by prior studies. This study revealed the capacity to estimate mass loss without using thermogravimetric measurements, and future predictions should include a broader spectrum of biomass materials.
  • Technical feasibility and economic analysis of solar photovoltaic water pumping system for sustainable irrigation in Nepal: a case study
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Subash Adhikari
    International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 2025
    Solar-powered irrigation can transform smallholder agriculture in off-grid regions, yet few studies integrate detailed field validation with comprehensive techno-economic analysis under South Asian monsoon climates. Using a field-experimental design combining performance monitoring and lifecycle cost modelling, this study assesses a solar photovoltaic water pumping system implemented in Kanchanpur, Nepal. The designed and field-tested system comprise 2 hp, three-phase motor pump monoset driven through a 2.20 kVA VFD/MPPT drive powered by a 2.12 kW photovoltaic array, sized to deliver 220,000 litre per day against a 10 m dynamic head and achieved an average discharge of 10.19 litre per second under 6 kWh/m2 day irradiance. Economic assessment at an 85% subsidy rate yielded a net-present-value of USD 1,075, an internal-rate-of-return of 20.9%, and a payback period of 5.8 years. Sensitivity analysis identified a 62.4% subsidy threshold highlighting the need for policy support. Compared to other alternatives diesel and grid-electric systems, solar demonstrated superior lifecycle benefits, lower unit costs, and zero emissions. Solar irrigation found a technically feasible and economically viable solution for sustainable agriculture in Nepal, although subsidy support remains critical for its widespread adoption.
  • Confirmation of the feasibility of using agrobyproduct biochar in thermal power plants through oxygen pyrolysis and conventional pyrolysis
    Sunyong Park, Seok Jun Kim, Kwang Cheol Oh, Padam Prasad Paudel, Seon Yeop Kim, Ha Eun Kim, Jae Youl Shin, Dae Hyun Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2024
  • Advancements in sustainable thermochemical conversion of agricultural crop residues: A systematic review of technical progress, applications, perspectives, and challenges
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Sagar Kafle, Sunyong Park, Seok Jun Kim, Lahoon Cho, Dae Hyun Kim
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2024
  • Comparative Assessment of Energy, Economics, and Emission (3E) of Rice Production in Plain and Hilly Areas in Nepal
    Shubhechchha Bashyal, Babita Paudyal, Dakshina Pandey, Padam Prasad Paudel, Anjan Bhatta, Dae Hyun Kim, Sagar Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 2024
  • How Profitable and Energy-Efficient Is Nepal’s Crop Production? A Case Study of Spring Rice Production in Jhapa District
    Padam Prasad Paudel, Dharma Raj Pokhrel, Sajan Koirala, Lalan Baitha, Dae Hyun Kim, Sagar Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 2021

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Comparative emission and energy performance of biochar production versus in-situ burning of Gorean agrobyproducts
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, KS Kang, S Ryu, DH Kim
    Plos One 21 (4), e0346041 , 2026
    2026
  • Technical feasibility and economic analysis of solar photovoltaic water pumping system for sustainable irrigation in Nepal: a case study
    PP Paudel, S Adhikari
    International Journal of Sustainable Engineering 18 (1), 2590115 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Multi-response optimization using novel metrics for accurate biochar quantification in microwave pyrolysis of agroforestry byproducts
    PP Paudel, SJ Kim, S Park, KC Oh, SY Kim, KS Kang, KJ Kim, DH Kim
    Energy Conversion and Management 344, 120292 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Prediction and Optimization of Biochar Yield and Properties
    PP Paudel, S Park, KC Oh, DH Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 193 (3), 107421 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Fuel Properties of Torrefied Pellets from Maize Residues and Cocopeat Byproducts
    S Park, SY Kim, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, DS Park, KS Kang, SH Ryu, ...
    Biomass 5 (4), 59 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Comprehensive study on microwave pyrolysis process variables and operating modes for optimized biochar production
    PP Paudel, S Park, SJ Kim, SY Kim, KS Kang, KJ Kim, DH Kim
    Bioresource Technology 437, 133120 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 10
  • Energy recovery from Ginkgo biloba urban pruning wastes: pyrolysis optimization and fuel property enhancement for high grade charcoal productions
    PP Paudel, S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, SY Kim, KS Kang, DH Kim
    Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 19 (5), 70017 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 8
  • Investigation of using eggshell and calcium carbonate to improve biomass pellet energy efficiency
    S Park, KC Oh, DS Park, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, KJ Kim, KS Kang, ...
    Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 27 (4), 2710-2722 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Development and validation of mass reduction prediction model during torrefaction using biomass chemical composition analysis
    S Park, KS Kang, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, ...
    PLoS One 20 (5), e0323940 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Optimization of Microwave Pyrolysis for Biochar Production From Agroforestry Byproducts: Exploring Parameters and Operational Modes
    PP Paudel
    Kangwon National University , 2025
    2025
  • Confirmation of the Feasibility of Using Agrobyproduct Biochar in Thermal Power Plants through Oxygen Pyrolysis and Conventional Pyrolysis
    S Park, SJ Kim, KC Oh, PP Paudel, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 2024 (5), 106791-106805 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 10
  • Comparative Assessment of Energy, Economics, and Emission (3E) of Rice Production in Plain and Hilly Areas in Nepal
    S Bashyal, B Paudyal, D Pandey, PP Paudel, A Bhatta, DH Kim, S Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering 49 (1), 313-325 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Analysis of Research into Biomass Conversion Technologies
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Prasad, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Agricultural Life and Environment Research 36 (3), 165-192 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 6
  • Advancements in sustainable thermochemical conversion of agricultural crop residues: A systematic review of technical progress, applications, perspectives, and challenges
    PP Paudel, SK Kafle, S Park, L Kim, Seok Jun, Cho, DH Kim
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 202, 114723-114752 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 71
  • Development and Validation of Mass Reduction Prediction Model Using Biomass Chemical Composition Analysis
    S Park, SJ Kim, KC Oh, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, LH Cho, PP Prasad, ...
    한국신· 재생에너지학회 학술대회 초록집, 269-269 , 2024
    2024
  • Journal of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Prasad, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Agricultural 36 (3), 165-192 , 2024
    2024
  • Analysis of Research into Biomass Conversion Technologies
    PP Paudel
    2024
  • Potato Late Blight Caused by Phytophthora Infestans; an Overview on Pathology, Integrated Disease Management Approaches, and Forecasting Models
    S Lamichhane, S Neupane, S Timsina, B Chapagain, PP Paudel, A Rimal
    Plant Physiology and Soil Chemistry 4 (2), 105-118 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 5
  • How profitable and energy-efficient Is Nepal’s crop production? A case study of spring rice production in Jhapa District
    PP Paudel, DR Pokhrel, S Koirala, L Baitha, DH Kim, S Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering 46 (1), 26-35 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 8
  • Pumpset efficiently operation, repair, and maintenance manual for service providers
    PP Paudel, S Adhikari
    2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Advancements in sustainable thermochemical conversion of agricultural crop residues: A systematic review of technical progress, applications, perspectives, and challenges
    PP Paudel, SK Kafle, S Park, L Kim, Seok Jun, Cho, DH Kim
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 202, 114723-114752 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 71
  • Comprehensive study on microwave pyrolysis process variables and operating modes for optimized biochar production
    PP Paudel, S Park, SJ Kim, SY Kim, KS Kang, KJ Kim, DH Kim
    Bioresource Technology 437, 133120 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 10
  • Confirmation of the Feasibility of Using Agrobyproduct Biochar in Thermal Power Plants through Oxygen Pyrolysis and Conventional Pyrolysis
    S Park, SJ Kim, KC Oh, PP Paudel, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 2024 (5), 106791-106805 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 10
  • Energy recovery from Ginkgo biloba urban pruning wastes: pyrolysis optimization and fuel property enhancement for high grade charcoal productions
    PP Paudel, S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, SY Kim, KS Kang, DH Kim
    Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 19 (5), 70017 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 8
  • How profitable and energy-efficient Is Nepal’s crop production? A case study of spring rice production in Jhapa District
    PP Paudel, DR Pokhrel, S Koirala, L Baitha, DH Kim, S Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering 46 (1), 26-35 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 8
  • Investigation of using eggshell and calcium carbonate to improve biomass pellet energy efficiency
    S Park, KC Oh, DS Park, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, KJ Kim, KS Kang, ...
    Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 27 (4), 2710-2722 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Development and validation of mass reduction prediction model during torrefaction using biomass chemical composition analysis
    S Park, KS Kang, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, ...
    PLoS One 20 (5), e0323940 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Analysis of Research into Biomass Conversion Technologies
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Prasad, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Agricultural Life and Environment Research 36 (3), 165-192 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 6
  • Potato Late Blight Caused by Phytophthora Infestans; an Overview on Pathology, Integrated Disease Management Approaches, and Forecasting Models
    S Lamichhane, S Neupane, S Timsina, B Chapagain, PP Paudel, A Rimal
    Plant Physiology and Soil Chemistry 4 (2), 105-118 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 5
  • Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Prediction and Optimization of Biochar Yield and Properties
    PP Paudel, S Park, KC Oh, DH Kim
    Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 193 (3), 107421 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Comparative Assessment of Energy, Economics, and Emission (3E) of Rice Production in Plain and Hilly Areas in Nepal
    S Bashyal, B Paudyal, D Pandey, PP Paudel, A Bhatta, DH Kim, S Kafle
    Journal of Biosystems Engineering 49 (1), 313-325 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Technical feasibility and economic analysis of solar photovoltaic water pumping system for sustainable irrigation in Nepal: a case study
    PP Paudel, S Adhikari
    International Journal of Sustainable Engineering 18 (1), 2590115 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Multi-response optimization using novel metrics for accurate biochar quantification in microwave pyrolysis of agroforestry byproducts
    PP Paudel, SJ Kim, S Park, KC Oh, SY Kim, KS Kang, KJ Kim, DH Kim
    Energy Conversion and Management 344, 120292 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Fuel Properties of Torrefied Pellets from Maize Residues and Cocopeat Byproducts
    S Park, SY Kim, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, DS Park, KS Kang, SH Ryu, ...
    Biomass 5 (4), 59 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Comparative emission and energy performance of biochar production versus in-situ burning of Gorean agrobyproducts
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Paudel, SY Kim, KS Kang, S Ryu, DH Kim
    Plos One 21 (4), e0346041 , 2026
    2026
  • Optimization of Microwave Pyrolysis for Biochar Production From Agroforestry Byproducts: Exploring Parameters and Operational Modes
    PP Paudel
    Kangwon National University , 2025
    2025
  • Development and Validation of Mass Reduction Prediction Model Using Biomass Chemical Composition Analysis
    S Park, SJ Kim, KC Oh, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, LH Cho, PP Prasad, ...
    한국신· 재생에너지학회 학술대회 초록집, 269-269 , 2024
    2024
  • Journal of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
    S Park, KC Oh, SJ Kim, PP Prasad, SY Kim, HE Kim, JY Shin, DH Kim
    Journal of Agricultural 36 (3), 165-192 , 2024
    2024
  • Analysis of Research into Biomass Conversion Technologies
    PP Paudel
    2024
  • Pumpset efficiently operation, repair, and maintenance manual for service providers
    PP Paudel, S Adhikari
    2021