Biochar

Kiln-style Biochar burn. This style burn is often used for conservation burns to promote healthy forests and reduce forest fires. On the farm, we love using the kiln, as it allows us to burn more material faster. A key to a successful burn is a very hot temperature, resulting in all the smoke and debris being pulled back into the burn, not into the air.

Mound-style biochar burn prep. Note the larger wood is on the bottom, and the smaller pieces are on top. Pro tip: wait to burn until wood is dry wood, and burn when there is very little wind.

Cuauhtemoc Villa demonstrating how a Biochar/conservation burn produces very little smoke.

To create biochar, you stop the material from burning before it turns into ash. Shown here, healthy microbes and water are being used to stop the burn.

After being doused, the char is raked to get it to stop burning and prevent it from turning to ash.

Foreground, shows a bin of biochar that has just been created. Behind it to the left, Cuauhtemoc Villa getting ready to start another burn. Behind to the right, a giant pile of organic material that has been dropped off by neighbors. Many islanders drop off tree branches and limbs after storms or after cleaning their yards. We are so grateful for all the material to turn back into the soil.