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The Biochar Handbook: A Practical Guide to Making and Using Bioactivated Charcoal
With extensive research, real-world examples, and hands-on applications, this go-to guide offers a comprehensive look at the principals and practices of biochar—and all of its world-changing uses.
Like many human discoveries, biochar has likely been invented, lost, and reinvented multiple times. It can be found in the rich terra preta soils of the Amazon and in the ancient “dark earths” dotting Africa, Asia, and Europe. However, biochar isn’t just an archeological curiosity. In The Biochar Handbook, author Kelpie Wilson argues that the simple process of burning organic material in a low-oxygen, low-emission environment could be one of the most powerful tools we have to restore degraded soils and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
In accessible and authoritative prose, Wilson demonstrates that biochar is a low-tech but effective means of reducing wildfire risks, restoring soil carbon, managing manure, weaning farms off of toxic inputs, and producing the best compost ever made.
In this book, you’ll also
A pocket history of biocharStep-by-step instructions for constructing a kiln and making biochar for yourselfApplications for soil water retention, pest deterrence, compost enhancement, and moreInspiring examples of ecosystem restoration and improved forest managementLow-cost recipes, including Cultured Biochar and Sustainable Potting Soil
Wilson makes a compelling case that biochar is both simple to make and a potent solution to a host of knotty problems, both global and close to home. Whether you’re a gardener, homesteader, rancher, commercial farmer, permaculturalist, or forest manager, this book will show you how to put biochar to work, making you and your community more resilient as a result.
Like many human discoveries, biochar has likely been invented, lost, and reinvented multiple times. It can be found in the rich terra preta soils of the Amazon and in the ancient “dark earths” dotting Africa, Asia, and Europe. However, biochar isn’t just an archeological curiosity. In The Biochar Handbook, author Kelpie Wilson argues that the simple process of burning organic material in a low-oxygen, low-emission environment could be one of the most powerful tools we have to restore degraded soils and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
In accessible and authoritative prose, Wilson demonstrates that biochar is a low-tech but effective means of reducing wildfire risks, restoring soil carbon, managing manure, weaning farms off of toxic inputs, and producing the best compost ever made.
In this book, you’ll also
A pocket history of biocharStep-by-step instructions for constructing a kiln and making biochar for yourselfApplications for soil water retention, pest deterrence, compost enhancement, and moreInspiring examples of ecosystem restoration and improved forest managementLow-cost recipes, including Cultured Biochar and Sustainable Potting Soil
Wilson makes a compelling case that biochar is both simple to make and a potent solution to a host of knotty problems, both global and close to home. Whether you’re a gardener, homesteader, rancher, commercial farmer, permaculturalist, or forest manager, this book will show you how to put biochar to work, making you and your community more resilient as a result.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 4, 2025
I hadn't heard of Kelpie's work before buying her book, but I'm so glad I bought it! It was money very well spent. Whether you want practical advice for how to get going with making and using biochar, or are interested in the theory around biochar, 'The biochar handbook' book has it all. It is easy and enjoyable to read, and very generous with personal experience as well as promoting others work. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2024
The Biochar Handbook is a practical guide to making and using bioactivated charcoal. Kelpie Wilson writes in a very easy-to-read personal way as she shares her decades of making and using biochar.
In addition to using biochar personally, Kelpie is an international instructor educating others about biochar. This well written handbook is extensively researched and includes a glossary and index.
In addition to using biochar personally, Kelpie is an international instructor educating others about biochar. This well written handbook is extensively researched and includes a glossary and index.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews