Author Spotlight: On-Site Biochar Production for Woody Debris Incineration in Forestry

We're looking for solutions to the problem of woody debris incineration in forestry. We hope to develop methods for making biochar on-site using simple technologies that are cost effective and quantifiable for determining carbon sequestration value. New technologies are being developed to make biochar in places where biomass accumulates to avoid high transportation costs.

These technologies include mechanized air curtain burners and simple containers that are fed by hand labor or by machine. These techniques work on the principle of flame carbonization. To pay the cost of making biochar, we can apply for carbon removal credits, but quantifying the amount of biochar made under field conditions is challenging.

We need appropriate carbon accounting protocols and methods for monitoring, reporting, and verification. Methods for quantifying biochar production in the field using simple techniques have not been well developed. This protocol provides the first steps toward robust and repeatable measurement techniques.

Our carbon accounting protocol for field verification of biochar production provides detailed information that is verified with visual evidence obtained throughout the production process. Other existing protocols have fewer controls and rely more on estimates and safety factors. Our protocol maximizes benefits for those who are doing the work.