How to Create Terra Preta

Terra preta or biochar is organic matter that is burned slowly with a restricted flow of oxygen. Once the material reaches the charcoal stage, the fire is stopped. Only adding biochar to poor soil has very little benefit to plants. When used in combination with compost and organic fertilizers, it can help to improve plant growth while the nutrients are retained in the soil. Biochar has been used for thousands of years in the Amazon and can be made by the homeowner as well.

Dry brush
Shovel
Pitch fork
Coffee can

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a trench outdoors. The trench does not have to be deep, just enough space that you can safely start a small fire.
- 2
  Use a fork to loosen the soil in the bottom of the trench.
- 3
  Pile the collected brush into this trench. Light the pile on fire.
- 4
  Watch the smoke.
- 5
  Dampen down the fire by covering it with an inch of soil to reduce the air supply once the smoke thins and turns grayish blue.
- 6
  Leave it to smolder. Use water to put out the fire once the organic matter has smoldered into charcoal chunks.
- 7
  Place the char in a coffee can and sprinkle on the ground before you do your planting.

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