Anyone know if this is what biochar should look like? First attempt at making it. Used a small pit. #grownostr #permaculture #biochar
Discussion
Does it sound hollow? Funny question I know
That is a solid question. Some of it does. Hard to tell
When dry it should sound kind of like glass when you move it around or pick it up and drop it on itself. I can't really tell in the pic if it is got a lot of ash on it or if it is just the way the pic looks.
Thanks. It might not be completely dry. Oddly enough Canada is still cold and wet. I did rinse it, but maybe not well enough.
Can you easily break it in your hands by crushing it.
I tried with one piece and it turned into a diamond.
Some of them do. I'm assuming that is what is wanted?
It should crush in the hand easily, dry it should sound like glass and the soot on your hands should rinse clean with no soap just water. If it does those three things you have biochar.
Brilliant thanks.
How are these used? I have bits of charcoal in the wood stove that I just throw out all winter. Is this the same?
It's is used as a soil amendment. It is a bit different than the charcoal left over from a fireplace. I am still trying to learn about it. Here are some resources from #[7].
Will definitely check it out! Thanks!
I made a batch of biochar that looks similar to that, but not quite as done last year. I left it in a plastic barrel that filled up with water over the winter. Mind you, this was pure charcoal. No inoculation, no ammonia, no seeds, no dirt, nothing added.
I was questioning whether or not it was going to be good as well. So I'm not suggesting it is optimal, but I saw a few seedlings growing in it under about 2 inches of water and they looked quite happy. I'm not saying it is optimal, but I'm confident it's going to be just fine.
break it apart and see if it's charred all the way through
Getting started on a retort myself, but my understanding is that good biochar should not leave a black mess on your hands after handling. Pick it up, play with it and should be able to rinse your hands with just water, not needing soap or scrubbing.