Year's first batch of biochar

First batch of charcoal,  crushed, ready to be added to compost to be turned to biochar.

I have no idea why my camera made the charcoal look like it has ash on it.  It's clean,  black,  and ash-free. Maybe it looks like that because I took the picture in a black trash can? Hard to say.

This batch was made in an open 55 gal drum at my new land.  There is no water there yet,  so i don't have a way to quench the charcoal when it's done.

The drum has holes around the bottom. When the charcoal is ready, I cover the holes with clay-dirt and put the lid on the barrel.  The next day, i empty the charcoal into a heavy bag and run over it with my truck a few times.

That's some good looking charcoal, the shine is light reflection which is a great indicator of how clean and well burned the charcoal is.

Yes, also when it is light and crisp and makes an almost musical sound when it hits something.
John S
PDX OR