[Biochar Basics] Making Biochar from Cardboard **LOW-SMOKE**

In this video I explain how to create biochar from cardboard boxes using a TLUD stove (Top Lit Up Draft). I cover processing cardboard into a standardized input material using a paper shredder, theory of operation of the TLUD for creating charcoal to be used in the garden, a brief description of the biochar "charging" process and an overview of how to build a TLUD to create charcoal without smoke (or with minimal smoke, at least).
** Tips greatly appreciated! **
DOGE: DLDzoa5qy1ohZPDwBZwe6ePCaCaSMUHJuK

[@ditaz]

are there alternatives for the crosscut paper shredder?

[@modernfreedom1651]

I think you could use a version of this TLUD to create biochar (charcoal) with most dry organic matter. Results may vary based on the input material, but some possibilities include dry leaves, sticks, pine needles (?), pine cones, wood pellets, etc. If you are using cardboard, but no shredder, you could probably tear/cut the cardboard and skip the shredder--but it might not burn as evenly/cleanly. I've thought about running cardboard through a mulcher, but haven't tried yet, so I don't know if it would work. Does that answer your question?

[@sumakwelvictoria5635]

I would encourage you to do this as often as you have a big batch of paper.
In Nigeria during the 80's the schools would collect all the workbook notebooks from all the children after a semester.
After the checking and grading they would dump it in a vacant lot and burn it all.
Obviously it did not burn through in one day. It continuously smoked for a week.
The earth there was so dark and soft. Since I was young then I did not know about biochar. It came to be that I needed to some soil for garden pots.
On a no school day, I went in there and dug a hole and filled up a sack of pure biochar paper. It had many earthworms.
I grew much tomatoes with that and roses too. The soil was so fertile.
TH-cam would not allow me to subscribe. Telling me I have too many channels subscribed to. Will subscribe as soon as the glitch happens.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Excellent video. Great method for urban gardening aswell.
Cheers from Victoria Canada

[@vickypeterson2352]

Does the garbage can eventually wear out? Get holes burned through? Thanks, great video!

[@ditaz]

youre a genius, how come you dont have a noble prize?🥺

[@modernfreedom1651]

Ha, I'm not sure about all of that but thanks for watching!

[@rusemode]

Amazing channel! Just found it.

[@modernfreedom1651]

Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@wickart4118]

For anyone trying this at home, be careful burning galvanized metal like that. I don't know what temperature range this method creates, but if the fire gets hot enough it can burn the galvanized coating and create highly toxic gas. I always try just keep galvanized metal away from my fires as a rule of thumb

[@maverick9300]

Question, have you tried the hand washing test for resins and other residue? I have a feeling tape might leave some tar on the char.

[@manjichromagnon5480]

Tar is burnt away. Plastic just leaves a lump of charry slag in the end

[@PTJeff9x]

Did you get about 1/2 the volume of biochar from the shredded material? I'm wondering what your output is compared to, say 1x1 split wood from the wood pile.

[@PTJeff9x]

Thinking that the 1x1 would require the format using a retort, thoughts?

[@biocharatiquizaya1760]

Safety first, please wear shoes and large pants when you do this!

[@modernfreedom1651]

Good points. I should have taken that into consideration and will in the future.