Terra Preta - Dark Soil - Experiment

[Clackamas Coot]

jaykush

I've got one of the Komodo-style ceramic smokers (Big Green Egg) and one of the features of these units is that you have a great deal of control on hitting and holding specific temperatures for smoking hawg and such.

Using a can like Stankie posted above and filling it to some level with rice hulls - what would be the optimum temperature range for creating 'bio char' and not charcoal dust? LOL

CC

 

[jaykush]

Using a can like Stankie posted above and filling it to some level with rice hulls - what would be the optimum temperature range for creating 'bio char' and not charcoal dust? LOL

not sure the ideal temp, you know me no measuring. if i was to make rice hull char i would just use the method that you start a small fire, get it going, then dump rice hulls on it, when you see vents, dump rice hulls on it, then dump water on it and you have char. theres a link in the OFC terra preta thread.

id personally use the komodo for food. i just got a huge bag of applewood smoked salt in a komodo from a friend. mmmmmmmmmm it goes good on meat.

 

[Stankie]

In my stoner memory, I recall around 500F is best. A little low according to MrFista.

Pyrolisation temperatures affect the pH of your char. The best temperature is 350 C. Above this causes basicity and below acidity. 350 will give you char in the pH 5.5 - 6.5 range right where you want it.

I would think given a proper 'cook' with compost/EWC should solve any pH issues.

 

[MrFista]

The functional groups at the interface of the char are altered by the temperature at which you char. 350 is optimal but obviously at home we'll be moving around the range somewhat. It is nice to know what you should try aiming for.

Composting will assist a basic char to slowly acidify but it depends if you want to wait for things to amend. In some instances the 'correction' (lowering) of pH on char has taken up to two years.

My comments are derived from personal experience, years of web research, and Johannes Lehmann's opinions. Lehmann has studied all the studies, he's a good source.

 

[Stankie]

I wasn't trying to challenge, at all ... My 'memory' is of a youtube video. I trust your info more than that!!!

Really you are the only one to mention temperature in this whole thread, thats why I quoted.

 

[MrFista]

No worries, just clarifying because it takes ages to 'fix' 'bad' char.

 

[Stankie]

With out investing in any special equipment, is it possible to tell anything in regards to temperature level and the 'color' of the char?

My finished char has more of a grayish tinge to it, as opposed to the deep black of standard charcoal.

 

[MrFista]

If you keep the airflow out and the char chamber seperate from the actual fire there's a good chance you had temps at the lower end. Up to 500 is ok... trying not to go over that will really help. Amending with composting really helps too, add these together you should have good char.

 

[Glodenglow1]

Does anyone have a good method of getting the biochar into soil.

I've been using fir and some other materials to generate biochar. I just pack some metal tins with the fir and other stuff, and place it is my woodstove to cook away.

I take it out when the wood gas stops burning off, then douse it with water and place it i na large container. I then kind of smash it up, and eventually run it through a 1/4" screen.

It is certainly a time intensive process, does anyone have any time saving tips?

 

[SilverSurfer_OG]

Do you soak it before you smash it up? Wetting it may help a little.

I have found a flat surface like concrete, a strong plastic bag and a flat brick is good. A metal bucket/box with a flat bottom and a hammer with a flat head, held 2-handed with the handle pointing at the sky also works well. Pound away.

MrFista mentioned a twisting,grinding action with a long bit of wood.

I wouldnt worry about getting it all superfine although this is good to make it go further.

I imagine a steamroller would work well.

 

[jaykush]

tip- make it small BEFORE you char it.

 

[Glodenglow1]

I did soak it in a few different EM/AACT, plus threw in some green sand, a little bone meal prior to grinding this stuff all up. It has been sitting moist in this mix for a few weeks, though frozen acutally as it has been sitting outside.

Basically smash it up in a tote with a shovel, then run it through a gold pan with a 1/4" screen. Bigger chunks get smashed up with a large pair of pliers, and then ran through the screen.

I was thinking about using hand compacter/tamper for landscaping to smash my stuff up, probably build a little metal box to do it in.

 

[belfast]

Nice work SilverSurfer_OG

 

[2dialed]

is bbq lump charcoal the same as bio char? i think i've seen mesquite and hardwood at the grocery store and always wondered if i could smash it up and use it in the garden

 

[SilverSurfer_OG]

Cheers Belfast.

I think the bbq char should be ok to use. Just make sure nothing has been added to make it burn better i reckon.

Its as easy as pissing on it and soaking in wormcasting slurry for at least 24 hours or any of the other ideas in the thread. Then when its used in the garden its bio-char.

I think im gonna use it as mulch this spring to soak up the sun in a few spots.

 

[jaykush]

make sure you use natural 100% hardwood char. no additive, no fillers, no things that make it light faster. just charred wood.

have fun smashing it

 

[2dialed]

ok thanks, so many get contributors to this site for hardcore organics info.

 

[Bozzer]

What amazing stuff, i cant wait to try making and using some myself. Here is web site full of informatiopn that i have not yet seen posted on uptodate information on what happening in the bio char world.

http://biochar.be/

I see so much wasted organic matter, in job hope one day i will be able to turn into biochar and impove the soil in the gardens i build

 

[SilverSurfer_OG]

Nice link there Bozzer!

Cheers i really must get a new batch on the go

 

[onegreenday]

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