WTFRC

🌱 Agricultural Biochar Demonstration & Workshop Recap 🔥

We had an incredible hands-on learning experience this spring at McManus Orchard led by trainer Korina Stark with special guest Sharol Marsec.

Following the removal of cider trees last October, this workshop focused on transforming orchard waste into something valuable—biochar. Biochar is a charcoal-like material created through pyrolysis (heating organic material like wood, crop waste, or manure in a low-oxygen environment).

Benefits:
• Improves soil water and nutrient retention
• Locks carbon into a stable form, helping reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere
• Enhances conditions for beneficial soil microbes

💡 Key Takeaways:
• Moisture content matters! Ideal wood moisture is between 10–25% (use a moisture meter).
• Slow and steady loading is essential—adding material too quickly can extinguish the flame.
• A puff of smoke when adding new material is completely normal.
• The kiln used was an 8-foot diameter flame cap kiln, with larger (12 ft) versions requiring costly permits.
• The setup included a six-panel ring-of-fire flame cap kiln, designed for efficient and cleaner burning.

🔥 How It Works:
The kiln operates by burning gases (volatiles) at the top flame cap, reaching temperatures over 1500–1700°F. Proper airflow and heat circulation—supported by heat shields and a soil seal—create a cleaner, efficient burn with minimal oxygen entering from below.
This workshop demonstrated how orchard waste can be turned into a sustainable resource while improving soil health and reducing environmental impact.

🍒 Northwest Cherry season has officially begun! Harvest is underway around the state and the time has finally come to grab one of the seasonal favorites. 🍒