Biochar Kilns

Biochar is a charcoal like product that is created through pyrolysis in the Oregon Kilns. Excess, woody material is set on fire in the kiln and is partially combusted to create biochar in a low oxygen environment.

Biochar can be used as a soil amendment to increase nutrient and water retention, sequester carbon from the atmosphere, and to reduce fuel loads on your property.

The SWCD is looking for private landowners who want to use the kilns to create biochar. If you are interested in using our kilns, please call Sam Horner at 218-384-3891. These kilns will be available for public use in the coming months.

Biochar Video Gallery

Biochar Demo at the CFC

The Carlton SWCD held a Biochar Demonstration at the Cloquet Forestry Center on March 8th, 2022. This demo was to show how the kilns could be used to turn low value woody material into biochar. Biochar can be used as a soil additive to sequester carbon, increase nutrient and water retention, and to reduce fuel loads. Our Oregon Kilns will soon be available for private landowner use.

Making Biochar: A How-To Guide For Landowners

To aid landowners who are new to creating biochar, the SWCD created this video to outline the different steps needed to operate the Oregon Kilns. Additional tips and facts about biochar are also highlighted in this video. Along with the landowner guide on this page, these tools should help the process of making biochar go smoothly.

Biochar Kilns

A Minnesota Landowner Guide to Biochar

Biochar Video Gallery

Biochar Demo at the CFC

Making Biochar: A How-To Guide For Landowners

Biochar Analysis Results

RSDP Grant Reporting Materials