Yeah, there are a lot of ways to make it, but it all boils down to this basically: you need to control the oxygen levels during the burn. The idea stemmed from the discovery of Terra Preta, which was made across the Amazon in as low tech a way as you can imagine. Now there are high tech retorts that will pump the stuff out. My sense is the feedstock doesn’t really matter. As long as it has carbon, you are good. (Note to mafiosos trying to get rid of bodies: invest in biochar production facilities!).

Once it’s made, mix with compost to activate. The gist of it is that biochar is covered in porous surface area, which microbes and mycelia love to inhabit. Much like ocean reserves, which pump fish out into the surrounding ocean, biochar does the same for soil. It’s also a fantastic sponge. It will retain water in the soil for longer, after nearby soil has dried out.

It really is a miraculous, low-tech technique. I have yet to see a downside. Of note: it takes a while being in the soil before the flywheel gets going. Maybe a couple years before you really see the effects. Also, biochar converts have the same vibe as crypto converts, so beware :)

Murmuration