How to Make Biochar Lump Charcoal

Biochar consists of organic materials that have been burned slowly in a low-oxygen environment. The process results in coarse lumps of charcoal that have the potential to be a valuable soil amendment. Carbon compounds in the biochar bond with plant nutrients, holding them in place so they don't get washed away. In addition, the porous surfaces of biochar harbor all sorts of beneficial microorganisms.

According to "Science Daily," Biochar was an important part of sustainable agriculture for ancient Amazon tribes. Researchers have found evidence that biochar was used 1500 years ago. Today, making your own biochar is an effective, affordable way of improving your soil.

Shovel
Dry brush, twigs and branches
Water
Garden
Matches or lighter
Pitchfork (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Although it's labor intesive, making and adding biochar to your garden can make it more productive.
  
  Dig a trench deep enough to contain your brush pile. Start small -- a small fire is easier to manage than a large one. Dig your trench in your garden's location to save labor and make it easier to incorporate the biochar into the soil later.
- 2
  
  Aerate and loosen the soil at the bottom of the trench with a pitchfork.
  
  Loosen the soil at the bottom of the trench with a pitchfork or shovel. This technique, called "double digging," encourages plant roots to grow deeper and results in a healthier, more productive garden.
- 3
  Dump your brush into the trench and arrange the materials so that there's some airflow between them.
- 4
  Light your brush with matches or a lighter. You may need to use smaller twigs as kindling to get the fire going.
- 5
  Watch the fire closely. The key to producing the best biochar is in the color of the smoke. Initially, the fire will produce white smoke, which is mostly water vapor. The white smoke transitions to a yellowish color as the resins and sugars in the wood burn. Finally, the smoke will grow thinner and more of a grayish blue.
- 6
  Cover the fire with about 1 inch of soil after the smoke changes to grayish blue. This restricts the oxygen supply and puts a damper on the fire.
- 7
  
  Aim for coarse chunks like this. Avoid letting the fire burn to the point where all you have is ashes.
  
  Put out the fire with water once the wood has smoldered into charcoal chunks.
- 8
  Dig the biochar into your soil. Add compost and fertilizer if desired. Dig and turn the soil thoroughly to make sure everything is well-incorporated.

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