On June 12, 2026, the City of Brainerd and Great River Greening partnered to host a Biochar demonstration, converting buckthorn wood waste into biochar using on-site kilns.
- GRG staff ran the kiln and answered questions on biochar, its uses and how flame capped kilns work.
- GRG Staff walked participants through the process of managing a kiln from loading to ignition to quenching.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a type of char produced by heating organic material (biomass)—such as wood and plant waste—in a high-temperature, low-oxygen environment. Sometimes described as “supercharged charcoal,” biochar plays a key role in long-term carbon sequestration by locking up to 80% of the carbon in that material in a stable, solid form, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Biochar also improves soil health and structure, enhances water retention, boosts nutrient availability, and even helps remediate contaminated soils. It’s a versatile, multi-purpose tool that supports both land restoration and sustainable agriculture.
Learn more at https://www.greatrivergreening.org/biochar
Read more about the USFS Research on Biochar: