How to Make Biochar Soil

Rediscovering old gardening techniques is exciting. Adding biochar to the soil is not just an old technique – it's ancient, dating back at least 3,000 years, according to noted gardening writer Barbara Pleasant. Biochar, or charcoal as some gardeners refer to it, aerates the soil and helps it retain moisture and nutrients. According to a study cited on the United Nations website, biochar may increase crop yields up to 200 percent. Ancient agronomists knew the value of biochar, and modern gardeners are rediscovering the process.

Shovel
Brush
Matches
Buckets of water or hose
Metal can with lid
Pitchfork or gardening fork

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a 1- to 2-foot square and deep pit in the garden.
- 2
  Add brush to the pit. Pruning debris, weeds, tree trimmings and lawn clippings are just some of the items you may want to burn.
- 3
  Light the brush on fire. When the smoke begins to dissipate, cover the fire with 1 inch of soil. The brush continues to smolder under the soil.
- 4
  Check under the soil periodically. When the brush is charred completely, put out the fire with water. Monitor the area to ensure that the fire is truly out.
- 5
  Remove the biochar, when it dries, to a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
- 6
  Incorporate enough of the biochar into the soil so that it makes up at least 5 percent of the top 8 inches of soil. Use a gardening or pitchfork to blend it with the soil.

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Soil