What is Biochar Good for?
Besides showcasing organic farming methods, two huge aspects of our mission here at Robin Hills Farm are sustainability and stewardship of the earth we inhabit. BioChar provides an opportunity to touch all three: BioChar is an incredible soil amendment when inoculated property and applied to the soil, helping farmers to increase yield; it helps to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, or in other words, it helps to fight climate change and global warming; and it helps to retain many of the necessary nutrients in the soil that are lost due to erosion and drainage. In addition, there is ongoing research using biochar as a bio-energy, a bio-oil, and as a material for manufacturing carbon fiber.
It is a fascinating area of exploration (even though the concepts have been around for thousands of years!), and we at Robin Hills Farm were fortunate enough to host two local experts as they led a BioChar demonstration. In partnership with Ann Arbor ReSkilling, Robin Hills Farm hosted a free demonstration class led by Karl and Gaylyn Kaufman, and Sheldon Smith. The demonstration showcased two methods for biochar production: the neolithic-type pit kiln (Karl and Gaylyn), and a Top-Lit-Up-Draft pyrolizer (Sheldon).
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but the end result is the same--BioChar ready to be inoculated and applied to nutrient-deficient soils. The neolithic-type pit kiln is more traditional method that consists of digging and pit and feeding small pieces of wood at a rapid rate and at high heat which maximizes the amount of char produced and limiting ash. The pyrolizer is a fascinating contraption that can be used to create both biochar and heat, that if harnessed, could be used to heat a small hoop house or greenhouse. Still, research continues as possible drawbacks of large-scale biochar production have been noted, one being deforestation. Of course, moderation is always an important part of the conversation.
Thank you to our biochar experts who ran the free Biochar demonstration, to Ann Arbor ReSkilling for cohosting the event, and to all who attended to learn about this (ancient, but) newly rediscovered technique for soil amendment and carbon sequestration!
Stay tuned for more interactive classes and events on ways we can become better stewards of the earth we inhabit. Also, read this article from Mother Earth News for more info about BioChar.