Biochar Demonstration Project: Making the Compost

This project is designed to compare plant growth between raised beds prepared with and without biochar (agricultural charcoal). The beds contain a nearly identical mixture of topsoil, compost, amendments, and plants. The pH and soil chemistry are monitored and adjusted as necessary, and plant growth documented.

Biochar is a fine-grained, carbonized product similar in appearance to common charcoal. It is made by heating a 'biomass' such as scrap wood, chips, garden debris, forest slash, etc. to near-combustion using little to no oxygen in a process called 'pyrolysis', or 'gasification'.

As a soil amendment, the structure of biochar adds porosity, as well as water and nutrient retention. It also stimulates the activity of agriculturally important microorganisms, increases CEC (cation exchange capacity), and raises soil pH.

For more information, contact nobaily@gmail.com.

February 13, 2015

Making the Compost