What is biochar? What good is it? How do I use it? Here is a good description.

Books on Biochar

The Biochar Handbook, Kelpie Wilson. Chelsea Green, 2024, 280 pp. Currently the best guide for the beginner, by internationally renowned speaker and designer of the Ring of Fire kiln who was involved in biochar from the start.

The Biochar Revolution: Transforming Agriculture & Environment, Paul Taylor (ed.). Global Publishing Group, 2010, 361 pp. Out of print, unfortunately, but try to find a used copy. This book is recommended for a good introduction to the topic.

The Biochar Debate: Charcoal's Potential to Reverse Climate Change and Build Soil Fertility, James Bruges. Chelsea Green, 2009, 112 pp. Aims at a balanced overview of science, economics and history.

Burn, Albert Bates and Kathleen Draper. Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 2019, 290 pp. Describes full range of biochar applications.

Biochar for Environmental Management: Science and Technology, Johannes Lehmann and Stephen Joseph (eds.). Taylor & Francis, 2024 (3rd ed.), 902 pp. Textbook for advanced study.

Terra Preta: How the World's Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change and Reduce World Hunger, Ute Scheub, Haiko Pieplow, Hans-Peter Schmidt, Kathleen Draper. Greystone Books, 2016, 232 pp. Includes instructions on using biochar.

Biochar Websites

55 Uses of Biochar (also links to The Biochar Journal)

Wilson Biochar Associates: Kelpie Wilson is on the board of IBI and sells flame-cap kilns of her own design (Ring of Fire).

International Biochar Initiative (IBI): Clearinghouse for biochar information, stakeholder collaboration, best practices, and environmental and ethical standards.

US Biochar Initiative (USBI): Focused on developing markets for biochar in U.S.

Biochar On Site (BOS): New site that hosts monthly Meetup with focused discussion on biochar-related topics.