The video demonstrates the process of making biochar using a wood stove and cans to create a retort for burning wood chips. The biochar is made through pyrolysis and can be made from various organic materials. The video also shows how to activate the biochar using different layers of compostable materials such as cow manure, worm castings, and bone meal. The presenter emphasizes the importance of having a diverse mix of materials to provide food and dwelling places for microorganisms. Biochar can provide homes for bacteria and increase the cation exchange capacity, and it can last for up to 1000 years. The presenter plans on living off the food they store and grow for 365 days a year and increasing the soil fertility by making at least 500 pounds of biochar every year.
00:00:00 In this section, the video highlights the process of making biochar by using wood chips and burning them in a retort made from cans, in a wood stove. The biochar is made through pyrolysis and can be made from various materials that were once living, such as bones and acorns. The video also shows the process of charging the biochar, turning charcoal into biochar, and some tips, such as replacing cans after ten burns or so. The biochar can be used to add fertility to soil and enhance the growth of organic gardens, providing an alternative method for sustainable living.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to activate biochar by adding different layers of compostable materials such as cow manure, worm castings, greensand, kelp meal, bone meal, and fungal dominated compost. He stresses the importance of having a diverse mix of materials to provide food and dwelling places for microorganisms. He also emphasizes the need to add enough moisture during the activation process to ensure the presence of life and to prevent the compost from becoming anaerobic. Additionally, he shows how to maintain the right oxygen levels to promote the growth of good bacteria and prevent the growth of bad bacteria.
00:10:00 In this section, the speaker clarifies that it is his personal opinion that biochar should not be crushed as it naturally breaks down when mixed with liquids, and also retains larger pores that allow for better nutrient absorption. He demonstrates how to deal with cans with lips to create a simple biochar cooker using any size can and explains that creativity is key in the production of biochar. Finally, he shows how leaves from compost can be used to create biochar.
00:15:00 In this section, the video explains how to make biochar using a wood stove and activate it through a comparison with a sponge experiment. The maker shows how to create a retort of various materials, such as bones and wood, and explains how to prevent the gases that form from building up using a hole in the retort. Additionally, the video includes an experiment comparing the water retention of sponges and biochar and concludes that biochar is a useful home for bacteria essential for enriching soil.
00:20:00 In this section of the video, the presenter mentions that using microscopy to look at the soil’s bacterial and fungal content is essential when teaching people about gardening as the life in the soil is the most important thing. Additionally, using biochar, done correctly, is the second most important thing a gardener can do for their garden after making compost. Biochar can provide homes for bacteria and increase the cation exchange capacity, and it can last for up to 1000 years. The presenter plans on living off the food they store and grow for 365 days a year and increasing the soil fertility by making at least 500 pounds of biochar every year.
