Workshop shows promise of ‘Biochar’

A workshop on Biochar, an emerging soil amendment with great promise of improving soil health and water retention, will be held Wednesday, October 28, at at the Sonoma Garden Park. The educational event will be presented by Sonoma Ecology Center and the Sonoma Biochar Initiative from 10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Biochar is a specialized form of charcoal made at relatively high temperatures in the absence of oxygen (in a process termed “pyrolysis”). Combined with compost or similar nutrients, biochar has been demonstrated to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon.

SEC is currently conducting local field trials — preliminary results demonstrate that this specialized form of charcoal can help retain moisture in agricultural soils, thereby reducing needs for irrigation.

The event will feature discussions by Sonoma Ecology Center’s team of biochar experts, including summaries of recent field trial results at three local Sonoma farms: Oak Hill Farm near Sonoma, Green String Farm near Petaluma, and Swallow Valley Farm near Valley Ford.

The day will include a demonstration using a special “Biochar Kiln” to make biochar from waste wood without visible air emissions. The event will also present Sonoma Ecology Center’s new approach to using a “Conservation Burn:” to eliminate vineyard clippings and debris with greatly reduced air emissions by burning the pile from the top, a process that creates usable biochar at the same time.

Those planning to attend this event are requested to RSVP in advance with Sonoma Ecology Center’s Frances Waddock at (707) 996-0712, ext. 111; and to plan to bring their own lunch. Ice tea and water will be provided.

Sonoma Garden Park is located at 19996 7th Street East (near Denmark Street) in Sonoma.