Biochar results Test of sample 3 wood fueled
Biochar results: Test of sample #3 (wood fueled burn) • • p. H 10. 8 Total Carbon 85% CEC 28. 3 P 123 mg/kg K 2444 mg/kg Mg 200 mg/kg Ca 6740 mg/kg
Biochar results: Test of sample #4 (propane fueled burn) • • p. H 10. 0 Total Carbon 77% CEC 18. 5 P 52 mg/kg K 2158 mg/kg Mg 68 mg/kg Ca 3325 mg/kg
Economics LABOR • Harvesting 4 hrs (fall) • Chipping 5 hrs (fall) • 20 pyrolysis burns 40 hrs (spring) OTHER COSTS • Chipper rental • Fuel • Bins – • Kiln • Pyrolysis unit $1873. 16 _________________ • Annual cost of production = $2, 002. 96 • Cost/pound biochar $5. 76
Lessons learned Speckled alder – very viable feedstock Solar kiln very effective Labor and pyrolysis unit affordable Wood fuel more efficient than propane Cost per pound relatively high under scenario of one week of production • BUT quality of biochar is very high • • •
Other benefits of on-farm production • Guarantees sustainably harvested biomass • Alders have intrinsic value: nitrogen fixing, good for wildlife, etc. • More control over quality, purity and consistency of feedstock and biochar • Eliminates hidden costs of commercial biochar such as transportation/shipping • Make efficient use of farm down-time • Accommodates experimentation and potential improvement • High degree of self sufficiency!
Safety! • • Do not operate alone Limit spectators Safety glasses / protective clothing Use insulated outer chimney No obstructions to syngas Extremely high temperatures Beware of re-ignition
Thank you to: USDA NRCS for project funding
For more information: Farm Day – April 29 th, 6: 30 pm, sponsored by Waldo County MOFGA Chapter www. earthdharmafarm. com
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