In this study, hydrochars were prepared by hydrothermal carbonisation ( HTC) of poultry litter ( PL) at temperatures between 150-300 degrees C with residence times of 30, 120 and 480 min. The effects of treatment temperature and residence time on the yield and composition of hydrochar were investigated. Both treatment temperature and residence time effects were observed however, the effect of residence time was lower. The results indicated that the HHV was improved by up to 25.17% and the overall ash in hydrochar was significantly lower compared to PL, however this coincided with a lower hydrochar yield. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.