Biochar Kiln Loan Program

What is biochar?

Biochar is a highly porous, high carbon material. Much of its utility comes from these two qualities. In soil, the porosity helps retain a good balance of air, moisture, and nutrients, which can help build healthy soil and feed healthy plants. Because biochar is mostly carbon, it is gaining popularity as a carbon sequestration tactic, helping us store carbon in the Earth and fight climate change. (The above is an excerpt from Biochar for the Small Farm or Garden by Alex Gray)

Do you have woody debris you are looking to get rid of? Turn your debris into biochar, a valuable resource that can build soil nutrients and structure for the long term.

See below for information about biochar and using the kilns.

How to rent a kiln?

Step 1: Fill out the interest form to join the waiting list

Step 2: We will follow up with you to arrange your pickup time

Step 3: You’ll pick up the kiln, use it for a period of two weeks, then return the kiln to the host site or the next user in line will pick it up from you.

What is the biochar kiln loan program?

Rent a kiln free of charge! 

There are 5 biochar kilns available to borrow from 4 different locations in WNC.  Kilns are currently located in Marshall, Spruce Pine, Celo, and south Asheville. If you’re in the Watauga County area, there is a similar biochar kiln loan program at the Watauga County extension office that may be more convenient for you.

​Two types of kilns will be available to rent: Ring of Fire or the Oregon kiln. The Oregon kiln is good for small to medium size producers and makes up to 1.4 cubic yard of biochar in about 4 hours. You will need approximately 3-4 cubic yards of feedstock for one burn.  The Ring of Fire is a good option if you would like to produce larger amounts of biochar or if multiple farms want to get together for a bigger burn. 

The program was developed by Working Landscapes, a non-profit based in Warren County, NC. They have passed the program on to different organizations in  western NC, including Cooperate WNC. We’re excited to carry the program forward, seeing this as an opportunity to facilitate regenerative agriculture and help farmers in our region repair and improve soil for the long term. 


Biochar resources

Making biochar

Biochar information