Unfortunately, my slash piles are so large, they get too hot to get close enough to quench with just a 5 gallon bucket. Trash pump arriving this week to hopefully change this
https://video.nostr.build/7d331e93298ccb2cf896469e749d15c8ee56eaebfa47bb04751ad1b17a1e8054.mp4
There are a lot of fancy ways to make Biochar, but I prefer the simple slash pile method.
We burn slash (dead branches) anyway to reduce hazardous fuels around our home, so why not make charcoal for the garden!?
Simply burn until the sticks become charcoal, spread it out and then extinguish the coals.
It can take some tending to move branches on the sides that aren't burning hot onto the pile.
Lots of people make biochar a science, but I tend to be more of an artist and KISS.
After the charcoal has cooled, I put it in compost, add it as a layer in lasagna beds, put in planting holes with trees in the winter or dig into beds I am tilling. Only then does it become biochar, once the microbes have inhabited it.
🔥 Please burn responsibly.
Have you made biochar before?
p.s. if you're wondering why the slash pile was so long, I am burning grass for a new raspberry bed.
#permaculture #permaculturegarden #biochar #sequestercarbon #gardenideas #homesteadskills #homesteader #sustainablegardening
Discussion
Well, that's pretty big!
Here's a thought. Do your burn with a dry pile when it starts raining a good rain. When it's down to coals spread it out really thin with a rake and let the rain put it out. I've done that before and it works well.