Biochar -- What is it, What good is it, and How is it made. Described by Scott McKain from UBET

Biochar is the topic of this week's conversation with Scott McKain, from the Umpqua Basin Education Team (UBET). Scott discusses the chemistry of biochar, and why it is so good for soils. We also talk about the Amazon indians use of biochar, which is still evident 3,000 years later. Scott describes how biochar can be made locally, including how you can make some in your back yard, and the best techniques for applying it to your garden. We discuss how some timber industry mills distribute biochar, and the UBET attempt to convert logging slash piles to biochar on the Umpqua National Forest. Just the act of top-lighting slash piles, instead of bottom lighting, will produce less smoke, cleaner air, and a bit of biochar. Scott invites the public to Elkton on October 27 for a biochar demonstration. For more information, see: http://ubetbiochar.blogspot.com/. You can email Scott questions at ssmckain at charter dot net.