Biochar is a form of biomass that has been thermally decomposed in an oxygen-limited environment. Its potential to enhance crop yields, bolster plant disease resistance, detoxify soil, and sequester carbon is well documented.

Extensive research has demonstrated that biochar’s effects can vary significantly depending on the feedstock used and the production temperature, as well as the specific plant, soil, climate, and ecosystem involved. This has led to a growing awareness that biochars and biochar-based amendments and fertilisers must be carefully selected or enhanced to address particular soil and environmental challenges effectively.

Over the past five years, training courses on the design, production, and application of biochar have been conducted by the authors. Participants frequently requested detailed recipes, guidelines, and methods for making, enhancing, testing, and applying biochar. This guide aims to meet those needs, serving as a practical companion to more scientific and technical publications.

This publication compiles the experiences of gardeners, farmers, and researchers who have successfully used biochar to grow food crops in home gardens, smallholdings, and farms worldwide. It draws on centuries-old wisdom, innovations from the last century, and the latest scientific research.

The guide is divided into eleven chapters. Chapters 1 to 3 outline the principles, methods, and equipment for making biochar and describes historical and Indigenous practices that we can learn from. Chapters 4 to 7 delve into the science behind the properties and effects of biochar, distilling key points to guide its effective and sustainable application. Chapters 8 to 11 focus on how to choose and apply biochar, use it for regenerative farming, and conduct essential tests at home or on the farm. These chapters include numerous case studies that provide valuable insights into the benefits and costs of biochar based on real farmer experiences.

Some readers might prefer to begin with the first three chapters and then skip to Chapters 8-10 for hands-on practice. They can return to Chapters 4-7 for a deeper understanding of the science, principles, methods, and equipment, and consult Chapter 11 for testing procedures as needed. The comprehensive Table of Contents will help navigate to relevant sections.

A forthcoming practical manual will provide step-by-step instructions for designing, manufacturing, and applying biochar to effectively and profitably address soil and environmental constraints, thereby contributing to land and planetary regeneration.