For those of you who read my last update, you could see I was initially demorilized about the methods of producing biochar. It had required high input of fuel, and material that some people might just not have the sources for. Although the end product was of high quality, it didnt seem worth it to me. I was determined to find a more efficient way. After leaving the permaculture research institute, I found my self volunteering on a 150 acre property just west of Brisbane. The property owners were an older couple attempting to reforest, and rewild their property in the gatton valley. Wynton (fellow intern) and I arrived and our first thoughts for assisting mark and Diane with their efforts was to put together a high quality compost. Better yet, biochar charged with the inoculum compost. Mark and Diane were excited about biochar, and how it would benefit their property. Now the trick was to use materials they had on the property to produce the char. After rummaging through their farm shed, I found a 44gal barrel. I thought to my self "there has got to be a way to just use this barrel" and in fact there was! The key idea is what is called an upside down fire. By cutting a hole in the bottom of the barrel giving the barrel two open ends, allows you to burn from top to bottom (see photo 1) With the barrel mounted slightly above the ground to let oxygen in the bottom of the barrel drawing the flame down. (See photo. 2) This causes the flame to ignite volitiles from the biomass, and leaving char behind because of the rapid combustion. (See photo 3) after about 5 minutes all volitiles have combusted and it is time to extinguish the flame. (See photo 4) leaving you with the remaining material, biochar! After using this method, I came to the conclusion that farm scale biochar was worth it, and highly useful. It took no more than thirty minutes to prepare and process, also the fuel itself created the char. Afterward we assembled a compost pile, and mixed in a few handfuls of char. (See photo 5) Now Mark and Diane have a high quality product to assist them in their efforts! I recommend going out and trying this technique yourselves and putting it to good use! Soon I'll be seeing how I can utilize biochar in fiji..so stay tuned for my next update! Thanks!