Biochar Kilns

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that is produced through a process called pyrolysis, a thermal decomposition of materials like wood and plant residue in the absence of oxygen. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment and can aid soil in nutrient retention, water retention, sequestering atmospheric carbon.

Our biochar kilns can be a great forest management tool, as we can turn wood from diseased trees and excess brush into a useful soil amendment.

Learn more about biochar and our kiln rental program below!

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

Biochar Video Gallery

Biochar Demo at the CFC

Making Biochar: A How-To Guide For Landowners

Biochar Factsheet

Biochar Kiln Rental materials

Biochar Analysis Results

A Minnesota Landowner Guide to Biochar