Comments on: Make Your Own Biochar Using the Cone Pit Method

By: Ibrahim Yerima

Ibrahim Yerima — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 13:37:14 +0000

It is interesting and farmer friendly to know about the biochar process.

By: Bestone Seven

Bestone Seven — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:07:24 +0000

Chonco

By: Jon Faulkner

Jon Faulkner — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 11:49:20 +0000

That isn’t the way forward, the heat transfer will damage the soil around your pit. Visit Whittlewoodconcept.com for alternative, safer and beneficial solutions.

By: Olie

Olie — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 04:08:57 +0000

In reply to JimP. Shhh! They are making biochar, not charcoal.

By: Lynn Dolson

Lynn Dolson — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 04:08:11 +0000

I just finished my second year of making my own biochar. I use a similar method, but have some small suggestions. My pit may be a little deeper. I prep my sticks and cardboard (yes!) ahead, and put them in a “solar kiln” (also known as my winter lean-to green house) for a few weeks (this has the added advantage of inspiring me to set up my “greenhouse” before the first freeze). Having the material very dry helps it burn at a higher temperature. I so agree with monitoring it! Getting down the knack of keeping it hot, not feeding too much at once, and minimizing ash formation. I didn’t like the big smoke with the final drench, so this year I was delighted to use an Aluminum pan that goes under water heaters, to assist in the final quick smother (not necessary, but I liked it; it did seem to cut down on the smoke a bit). My yield was 15 gallons, from one batch! (I just kept feeding it.) Afterwards, I again filled in my pit, which has clay-heavy soil, with composting materials, so it is easy to dig out for the next year. I do love my biochar!

By: JimP

JimP — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:32:37 +0000

This system for making charcoal seems difficult. We use 45gal steel barrels to ‘burn’ in and grind/inoculate with a small cement mixer.

By: Mar Coakley

Mar Coakley — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:14:31 +0000

Very interesting did not know about this