Small scale biochar in a can

I just took some pictures of a process I have been using to make small scale, high quality (I think?) biochar from some willow wood shavings:

I think I saw this from David The Good originally. He mentioned he learned it from someone else though—I’ll have to go get the video.

I like that this uses no extra energy than for heating and very little extra effort.

I had previously been getting coals out and quenching them in water, but I didn’t think the quality of biochar was as good—very hard and rigid, which makes me think not so porous. Willow is also a softer wood so that may help.

The biochar makes a very musical, clinky sound which as far as I remember indicates a high quality.

This is the video where I saw something like the technique. I haven’t seen it in a while so maybe it’s a bit different:

Today’s second batch!

It looks like a lot but is just a cup or so—I poured it out onto other biochar and after taking the picture mixed it in for soaking.

It should eventually add up to a lot—it’s already a substantial (though not gigantic) quantity that’s collected in the bowl.

I think the original video that David refers to is on the "Live On What You Grow" Youtube channel. The two crimped cans.

I've also had had good luck in a fire pit or wood stove making biochar with metal paint cans (with a few holes poked in them) or hotel pans.

This is a nice way of adding a method of creating biochar. Some people may end up with 2 or 3 different methods that they use at the same time. Many of us can't use some methods for one reason or another, so I think this is a positive addition.

John S
PDX OR

Yes, lots of methods is the way.

Making lots of biochar is better than making a little biochar, but making a little biochar is better than making none.

Making a little biochar every day doing something you do anyway (like running a wood stove) is great!