An Introduction to Biochar
What is Biochar?
Simply put, biochar is charcoal intended for incorporation into the soil. Biochar is often used in the context of regenerative gardening as a means of holding nutrients and providing habitat for soil life.
Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced by burning organic materials, such as wood, crop residues, or animal manure, in a low-oxygen environment. This process, known as pyrolysis, converts the organic materials into a stable form of carbon that can be used as a soil amendment.
Biochar has a high surface area and a porous structure, similar to a sponge, which allows it to absorb and retain nutrients, water, and beneficial microbes. When added to soil, biochar can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Biochar is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon in soil.
What is Biochar good for in soil?
Biochar has a number of important benefits:
Water retention. Biochar can retain up to 3 times its weight in water.
Microbe habitat. A gram of biochar has the surface area of a tennis court, making it an excellent habitat for microbes to live and flourish.
Excellent nutrient retention. The chemical nature of the charcoal structure is suited to retain nutrients on its surface. This means that instead of necessary plant nutrients being washed out of the soil with rainfall or watering, the nutrients are retained on the biochar and retained in the top soil.
Improves soil structure. Biochar combined with microbes will provide air pockets in the soil allowing aerobic microorganisms to thrive.
How long can Biochar last in the soil?
Biochar is a stable form of carbon that can persist in soil for hundreds or even thousands of years. The exact lifespan of biochar in soil depends on a variety of factors, including the type of feedstock used to produce the biochar, the soil type, and the environmental conditions.
Some studies have shown that biochar can remain in soil for up to 2,000 years or more, while others have reported shorter lifespans of 50-100 years.
In general, biochar that is produced at higher temperatures and from more stable feedstocks, such as hardwoods, tends to be more persistent in soil. The long lifespan of biochar in soil makes it an effective tool for sequestering carbon and improving soil health over the long term.
What else is Biochar good for?
Biochar has a wide range of potential applications beyond soil amendment. Here are 10 examples:
Water filtration: Biochar can be used as a filtration medium to remove contaminants from water, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Animal feed supplement: Biochar can be added to animal feed to improve digestion and reduce odors.
Carbon sequestration: Biochar can be used as a carbon sink to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Building materials: Biochar can be used as an additive in building materials, such as concrete and plaster, to improve strength and reduce environmental impact.
Energy production: Biochar can be used as a fuel source for energy production, such as in the form of pellets or briquettes.
Air purification: Biochar can be used as a filter material to remove pollutants from indoor air, improving air quality. It can even be incorporated into plaster or paint for lasting purification benefits!
Composting: Biochar can be added to compost to improve the quality of the compost and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Livestock bedding: Biochar can be used as a bedding material for livestock, such as poultry, to improve hygiene and reduce odors.
Horticulture: Biochar can be used as a growing medium for plants, such as in hydroponic systems.
Remediation: Biochar can be used to remediate contaminated soils, such as those contaminated with heavy metals or petroleum products.
It’s worth exploring all of these possibilities for biochar!
Where was Biochar discovered?
As detailed in The Biochar Solution: Carbon Farming and Climate Change, the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana made a trip down the Amazon river from the mountains in modern day Peru to the mouth of the river in modern day Brazil. During the journey, they discovered a vast agriculturally based civilization stretching for miles along the Amazon. Upon his return to Spain, he shared his findings and asked for money to return. This return trip didn’t happen for years, and during this time the civilization actually collapsed from sicknesses spread by the European explorers and what once was vast fields and villages returned to the jungle. Upon the return, the new group of explorers discovered just that jungle.
Fast forward 500 years, and the area was rediscovered and a team from Cornell, led by Dr. Johannes Lehmann, traveled to Brazil and discovered where the settlement was and started investigating how they were able to grow so large a civilization in the jungle. Tropical soils are typically weathered and poor at retaining nutrients due to the heat and rain, however, this civilization had grown to hundreds of thousands. How was this?
The soil. The soil the natives had “grown” was responsible for supporting their civilization. The soil in this area was deep and black, whereas the soil in the surrounding jungle was shallow and yellow. Throughout the years, the civilization had learned to grow this soil through the incorporation of wood charcoal and ash, broken pottery, food waste and microorganisms from their brewing of corn beer. This black soil of the Amazon is referred to as “Terra Preta de Amazon”, or black soil of the Amazon.
In the early 2000s, Lehmann and his team conducted a series of experiments that demonstrated the potential of biochar as a soil amendment. Their research showed that biochar could improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon in soil, making it a promising tool for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Since then, biochar has gained increasing attention from scientists, farmers, and policymakers around the world, and its potential applications continue to expand.
How is Biochar produced at home?
In order to produce biochar, we need to heat wood in the absence of oxygen.
Flame Cap Biochar Kiln
In our practice, we perform this with a “flame cap” in an open-topped kiln, which only lets air in through the top. A common container that can be used for this kiln can be a 55 gallon barrel.
A fire is lit with a small amount of wood in the bottom of the kiln. As the wood burns down, once we see ash forming on the top of the coals, we immediately add more wood. This new wood ignites and the the gasses coming off of the new wood prevent oxygen from getting to the old wood in the bottom of the kiln.
This process continues until we run out of space in the kiln, at which point the coals are extinguished with water. This method serves twofold: first, it cools the fire so the combustion won’t continue, and second the cold water on the heat causes the charcoal to “crack” into smaller pieces and opens up pores.
We prefer this method as it uses water to quench the coals. This water incorporation allows us to inoculate the biochar with microbes and nutrients as we quench the fire.
Top Lit Updraft (TLUD) Biochar Kiln
A top-lit updraft (TLUD) biochar kiln is a type of biochar production system that is designed to be simple, low-cost, and easy to operate.
The TLUD kiln consists of a metal or ceramic container with a perforated bottom and a chimney that extends from the top of the container. The container is filled with organic material, such as wood chips or sawdust, and ignited from the top. As the material burns, it creates a hot, oxygen-rich environment that pyrolyzes the organic material into biochar.
The TLUD kiln is designed to be efficient and produce high-quality biochar. The perforated bottom allows air to flow into the container, providing oxygen for the pyrolysis process. The chimney creates a draft that draws air up through the container, ensuring complete combustion of the organic material and reducing emissions. The top-lit ignition method also helps to reduce emissions by allowing the system to reach high temperatures quickly, which helps to minimize the production of smoke and other pollutants.
The TLUD kiln is a popular choice for small-scale biochar production, as it can be easily constructed using readily available materials and requires minimal maintenance. It is also a low-emission method of biochar production, making it an environmentally friendly option. The resulting biochar can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and fertility, or for other applications such as water filtration or energy production.
In order to shut this kiln down, the top of the kiln is capped and the air intake holes at the bottom of the kiln are sealed.
Isn’t burning wood to produce biochar bad for the environment?
Burning wood releases carbon dioxide, but so does composting or fungal decay it would otherwise go through.
We use waste wood (tree trimmings, chipped wood) for our Biochar. Commonly this wood would be either left to rot in the woods, sent to a landfill, or left to decay as mulch.
By producing biochar, we halt this process by changing the carbon into a stable compound that microbes cannot break down.
Since it takes 1 carbon atom to make 1 carbon dioxide molecule, each pound of biochar will keep about 3.3 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere which would have been released through natural decay.
Unlike other sequestration techniques which in essence bury carbon dioxide, sequestration of carbon through biochar allows the oxygen molecules which we need to breathe in the atmosphere instead of locked in the ground.
What is “inoculated” biochar?
Inoculated biochar is biochar that has been treated with microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to enhance its beneficial properties. The microorganisms are added to the biochar either during or after the production process, and they can help to improve soil health, increase plant growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Inoculation can take place in the form of a liquid inoculant such as EM-1 (Essential Microbes) or LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) or by mixing the biochar with worm castings or compost.
All of these techniques introduce different microbes to the biochar.
If you are introducing biochar to your garden, it’s recommended to inoculate the biochar first.
Inoculated biochar is often used in agriculture and horticulture to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
The microorganisms added to the biochar can help to break down organic matter, making nutrients more available to plants, and can also help to improve soil structure and water retention.
There are several ways to inoculate biochar with microorganisms, including soaking the biochar in a solution of microorganisms, spraying the biochar with a microbial solution, or adding the microorganisms to the soil when the biochar is applied.
The use of inoculated biochar is a promising approach to sustainable agriculture and can help to reduce the environmental impact of farming. However, the effectiveness of inoculated biochar depends on the quality and diversity of the microorganisms used, as well as the specific conditions in which the biochar is applied.
What if biochar is not inoculated?
We call biochar that is not inoculated, “raw” biochar. If biochar is not inoculated, upon introduction to the soil it will tend to absorb and adsorb nutrients, tying them up until the soil microbial life can release it again.
This can cause a loss of productivity in your garden until the biochar is filled with microorganisms.
If biochar is not inoculated, we recommend mixing it with compost, worm castings, or some other form of microbes prior to using it in your garden.
Where can I find out more about biochar?
The following books are great sources of further information and where I learned much of what I know about biochar.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of biochar in agriculture and other industries. As a result, there are now a variety of biochar books available on the market, including biochar books.
When purchasing a biochar book, it is important to consider the author's credentials and the level of detail provided in the book. Some biochar books are geared towards beginners, while others are more advanced and provide detailed information on the science behind biochar.
Additionally, it is important to consider the specific application for which you plan to use biochar, as different types of biochar may be more suitable for different applications.
Biochar Book Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a biochar book, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. We recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Topic Focus
The first thing to consider is the topic focus of the book. Some biochar books may focus on the science behind biochar, while others may be more geared towards practical applications and how to use biochar in gardening or farming. Determine what you're looking to learn and choose a book that aligns with your interests.
Author Expertise
Another important factor to consider is the author's expertise. Look for books written by authors with experience and knowledge in the field of biochar. Check the author's credentials and previous publications to ensure they are a credible source of information.
Level of Detail
Consider the level of detail provided in the book. Some books may be more technical and geared towards professionals, while others may be more accessible for beginners. Determine your level of understanding and choose a book that aligns with your knowledge level.
Format and Layout
Finally, consider the format and layout of the book. Look for books that are well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear headings and subheadings. Consider whether you prefer a traditional printed book or an e-book format, and choose accordingly.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a biochar book that meets your needs and provides valuable information on this important topic.
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Best Biochar Books
As advocates for sustainable and eco-friendly practices, we understand the importance of biochar in improving soil fertility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best biochar books to help you learn more about this valuable resource.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these books will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate biochar into your soil management practices.
Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology, and Implementation
If you're interested in learning more about biochar and its potential uses, we highly recommend checking out Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation.
This book is a comprehensive resource that covers everything from the science behind biochar to its practical applications in environmental management.
Pros
The book is written by top experts in the field of biochar, providing authoritative information and insights.
The second edition includes additional chapters and expanded content, making it an even more valuable resource than the first edition.
The book is well-researched and provides a detailed overview of the history, production, and potential uses of biochar.
Cons
The technical nature of the book may make it difficult for beginners or moderately advanced biochar makers to fully understand.
The book is quite lengthy, with 976 pages, which may be overwhelming for some readers.
The price point may be a bit high for some readers, but we believe it's worth the investment for those serious about learning more about biochar.
Overall, we believe that Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about biochar and its potential uses.
The book is well-researched, comprehensive, and written by top experts in the field, making it a highly authoritative source of information.
While the technical nature of the book may be challenging for some readers, we believe that the wealth of information provided is well worth the investment.
Making Charcoal and Biochar: A Comprehensive Guide
We highly recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about charcoal and biochar making. It provides a comprehensive guide to the different types of charcoal making processes, covers other aspects of charcoal making such as marketing and legal, and gives a list of addresses to help you find the materials you need.
Pros
Provides in-depth information on different types of charcoal making processes
Covers other aspects of charcoal making such as marketing and legal
Includes a list of addresses to help you find the materials you need
Cons
Not specifically focused on biochar making
Some readers may find it too technical
Could benefit from more visual aids to help illustrate the processes
The book is written in an engaging and informative style, and the author clearly has real-world experience with the subject matter. The history of charcoal and biochar making techniques is fascinating, and the comparison chart of these methods is particularly useful. The book also covers the various uses of biochar in agriculture, horticulture, and other industries. Overall, we found this book to be an excellent resource for anyone interested in charcoal and biochar making.
One thing to note is that the book is not specifically focused on biochar making. While it does cover the topic, it is more broadly focused on charcoal making in general. Some readers may find the technical aspects of the book to be a bit overwhelming, but we feel that the level of detail provided is necessary to fully understand the processes involved. The book could benefit from more visual aids to help illustrate the processes, but the text is clear and well-written, and the author provides plenty of examples and case studies to help readers better understand the material.
If you're looking to learn more about charcoal and biochar making, we highly recommend picking up a copy of Making Charcoal and Biochar: A Comprehensive Guide. It's a well-written and informative book that provides a wealth of information on the subject, and it's sure to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in these topics.
Gardening with Biochar
If you're looking to supercharge your soil and grow healthier plants, then Gardening with Biochar is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
Provides a good introduction to biochar and how it works in soil ecology
Explains how to make and use biochar in your garden
Includes a balanced and fair appraisal of how biochar can be used by home gardeners
Cons
Some readers may find the information lacking in depth
Short book with only 128 pages
May not be suitable for experienced gardeners looking for more advanced information
Author Jeff Cox takes an old technique and updates it for use in today’s world. Biochar is a method designed to increase the soil efficiency through the carbonized cellular structure of charcoaled organic material. In Gardening with Biochar, Cox provides a comprehensive guide on how to make and use biochar in your garden to improve soil quality, increase plant growth, and boost your harvest.
The book covers the basics of biochar, including how it works in soil ecology, its benefits, and how to make and use it in your garden. The author also includes a balanced and fair appraisal of how biochar can be used by home gardeners. While biochar seems to be a promising technique for improving soil quality and plant growth, it's important to note that it's not a magic bullet and should be used in conjunction with other soil improvement techniques.
Overall, Gardening with Biochar is a great resource for gardeners looking to improve soil quality and grow healthier plants. While it may not be suitable for experienced gardeners looking for more advanced information, it provides a good introduction to biochar and how it can be used in your garden.
The Biochar Solution
If you're interested in learning about biochar and its potential to combat climate change, The Biochar Solution is a great resource.
Pros
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the history and science behind biochar.
The author, Albert Bates, provides practical advice on how to incorporate biochar into farming and gardening practices.
The book is easy to read and understand, even for those without a scientific background.
Cons
The book was published in 2010, so some of the information may be outdated.
The book is focused primarily on the use of biochar in agriculture, so those interested in other applications may not find it as useful.
The book doesn't provide a step-by-step guide on how to make biochar, which may be disappointing for some readers.
The Biochar Solution is a great starting point for those interested in learning about biochar and its potential benefits. The book provides a thorough overview of the science behind biochar and offers practical advice on how to incorporate it into farming and gardening practices. While some of the information may be outdated, the book is still a valuable resource for those interested in the topic.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its discussion of the history of biochar. Bates explains how ancient civilizations used biochar to improve soil fertility and how this knowledge was lost over time. He also discusses how modern scientists rediscovered the benefits of biochar and how it could be used to combat climate change.
Bates provides practical advice on how to make and use biochar, as well as how to incorporate it into farming and gardening practices. He also discusses the potential benefits of biochar, such as its ability to improve soil fertility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon.
Burn: Igniting a New Carbon Drawdown Economy to End the Climate Crisis
Burn is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our planet. In this book, author Albert Bates offers a powerful vision for how we can tackle the climate crisis by transitioning to a new carbon drawdown economy. The book is packed with insights, ideas, and practical solutions that can help us move beyond the current climate impasse and build a more sustainable future.
One of the strengths of Burn is its focus on solutions rather than just problems. Bates is not content to simply describe the dire state of the planet and the challenges we face. Instead, he offers a roadmap for how we can actually make a difference. He explores a range of innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions, from regenerative agriculture to renewable energy to carbon capture and storage.
Another key strength of Burn is its emphasis on the importance of community and collaboration. Bates argues that we need to work together in order to achieve meaningful change. He highlights the role of grassroots movements, local initiatives, and global networks in driving the transition to a new carbon drawdown economy.
That being said, there are a few potential drawbacks to the book. For one, some readers may find the sheer amount of information and ideas presented in Burn to be overwhelming. The book covers a lot of ground, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the different concepts and strategies. Additionally, some readers may find the writing style to be somewhat dense and technical.
Overall, Burn is an inspiring and informative book that offers a roadmap for how we can tackle the climate crisis and build a more sustainable future. It is well worth reading for anyone who is interested in environmental issues, climate change, and the future of our planet.
The Biochar Revolution: Transforming Agriculture & Environment
The Biochar Revolution is a fascinating and informative book that explores the potential of biochar to transform agriculture and the environment. Written and Edited by Paul Taylor, a leading expert in the field, the book offers a detailed overview of the science behind biochar and its many applications.
One of the strengths of The Biochar Revolution is its clear and accessible writing style. Despite the technical nature of the subject matter, Taylor manages to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. This makes the book an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about biochar, regardless of their level of expertise.
Another key strength of The Biochar Revolution is its comprehensive coverage of the topic. Taylor covers everything from the history of biochar to its potential applications in agriculture, forestry, and waste management. He also explores the environmental benefits of biochar, including its ability to sequester carbon and improve soil health.
That being said, there are a few potential drawbacks to the book. The book is packed with scientific information and data, which may be difficult for some readers to digest. Additionally, some readers may find the book to be somewhat repetitive, as Taylor covers many of the same topics multiple times throughout the book.
Overall, The Biochar Revolution is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about biochar and its potential applications. It is well-written, informative, and comprehensive, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.
Regenerative Soil: The Science and Solutions
Regenerative Soil is a comprehensive and informative book that explores the science behind regenerative agriculture and its potential to transform our food system. Written by Matt Powers, a renowned educator and expert in the field, the book offers a detailed overview of the principles of regenerative agriculture and the many benefits it can provide.
I took Matt’s course in 2001, and biochar is covered extensively in both the course and the book.
One of the strengths of Regenerative Soil is its clear and accessible writing style. Matt manages to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making the book an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture. Additionally, the book is packed with practical tips and solutions that readers can use to implement regenerative practices in their own gardens and farms.
Another key strength of Regenerative Soil is its focus on the science behind regenerative agriculture. Matt draws on the latest research and data to explain the ecological and environmental benefits of regenerative practices, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions. He also explores the economic benefits of regenerative agriculture, including increased yields and reduced input costs..
Overall, Regenerative Soil is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture and its potential to transform our food system.
