Biochar is a powerful soil nutrient that has been used for centuries to help regenerate and improve the land.
It is essentially charcoal that is created through a process called pyrolysis, where organic materials such as wood are heated in a low-oxygen environment. This process creates a highly porous material that can hold onto nutrients and water, making it an excellent addition to soil.
Watch minute 7 to see the difference between avocado trees with and without biochar!!!!!!
One method of creating biochar is using a Kon-Tiki, a simple and effective way to produce biochar on a small scale. The process involves digging a large hole, filling it with wood, and lighting a fire. However, the key difference with a Kon-Tiki is that the fire is put out before the wood turns to ashes, preserving the biochar that is created.
Once the fire is extinguished, the biochar can be collected and stored in a sack for later use. It can be added to compost toilets, food forests, and fertilizers to help nourish the soil and promote plant growth. By using biochar, you are not only improving the health of your garden but also helping to sequester carbon in the soil, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice.
Here is the recipe of simple steps:
Dig a large hole
Fill with wood
Light fire
Put fire completely out before the wood turns to ashes
Collect the biochar and put in sack for your compost toilet and your food forest.
You can add the biochar to your fertilizers
Making a Fire part of your rituals
Watching a fire before going to bed can have several health benefits, both physically and mentally. The act of sitting by a fire and enjoying its warmth and flickering flames can be incredibly calming and soothing, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can be especially beneficial before bedtime, as it can help to unwind and prepare the mind and body for sleep.
In terms of physical health benefits, sitting by a fire can help to regulate body temperature and improve circulation. The warmth from the fire can also help to relax muscles and joints, providing relief for any tension or discomfort. Additionally, the soft light from the fire can help to reduce exposure to harsh artificial light, which can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Watching a fire can have a meditative effect, allowing the mind to focus on the present moment and let go of any racing thoughts or worries. This mindfulness practice can help to promote mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
We absolutely love stacking functions by making a fire to enjoy & making biochar for the plants and trees. Our favorite soil mix for new sappling trees is biochar, sand from river, compost and a mix of forest soil.
If you are interested in learning more about regenerative practices like biochar production, we invite you to join us for our free regeneration guide (below) and details on our upcoming Permaculture Design Course (PDC).