Biochar initiative
Great River Greening is at the forefront of expanding the practice of burning waste materials in biochar kilns as part of natural management.
Biochar is a type of char produced by heating organic material—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 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.
What is biochar?
How is biochar created?
Land restoration efforts, such as removing buckthorn and other invasive brush, often generate large amounts of biomass waste. Traditionally, this waste has been disposed of through open pile burning, which not only eleases harmful greenhouse gases but also degrades soil and air quality.
Processing this wood waste in specialized biochar kilns is an alternative restores degraded land, mitigates climate change, improves soil and water quality, Biochar kilns provide a more sustainable alternative, transforming this waste into a valuable resource while minimizing harmful emissions.
Greening’s unique capabilities
We are dedicated to expanding the practice of processing waste materials in specialized biochar kilns for sustainable land management. Not only do we incorporate biochar into our restoration projects , we also work throughout the state to educate leaders, fire marshals, land managers, and conservation districts on how to implement biochar, expanding its benefits. By leading this effort and sharing our expertise, we aim to make open pile burns a thing of the past, making biochar the go-to land management solution across the state. With a variety of kilns at our disposale, including our newly fabricated big-box biochar kiln, we have the flexibility to choose the right equipment based on the biomass volume and the specific needs of each project.
Big-Box Biochar Kiln
Our new mobile big-box biochar kiln is the first of its kind in the state. Approximately 3-6 times larger than traditional smaller flame-capped kilns, it measures 10 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4 feet tall. Each usage cycle—ranging from ignition to quenching—produces 9 cubic yards of biochar, with the capability for two loads per day.
Oregon Kilns
Our traditional flame-capped kilns—also known as Oregon kilns.
Ring of Fire
An expandable kiln that can be broken down into pieces, and made into different sized depending on the needs.
Benefits of Biochar
Carbon Storage: When biochar is buried in soil, it locks away carbon for hundreds, even thousands of years. This process helps reduce the amount of CO2 released in the atmosphere.
Soil Health: Biochar enhances soil structure, promotes microbial life, and improves nutrient retention.
Waste Reduction: Biochar is made from waste materials—wood waste, crop residues, and even municipal waste—transforming potential pollutants into a valuable resource.
Water Conservation: Thanks to its porous nature, biochar acts like a sponge and helps soil retain moisture, reducing the need for irrigation and making plants more drought-resistant.
Working with Greening
Great River Greening is one of the first in the state to move biochar production forward as part of natural systems management combining the following:
ON-DEMAND SERVICES BY TRAINED CREW: Hire our Greening Solutions crew! Working with your schedule, our trained crew implements the process efficiently and effectively.
ON-SITE SERVICES THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA: We are mobile!
EDUCATION: We can train your staff on how to best implement biochar for your setting.
PARTNERSHIP: Great River Greening works with all varieties of land management professionals, including municipalities, nonprofits, corporations, private landowners, and more.
The program partially funded by Center Point Energy Foundation, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), and the National Association of Conservation Districts.
Photo Credits: Brush burning in a “ring of fire” biochar kiln (Julie Baumeister); GRG Conservation Director pours water on the kiln to quench the biochar (Bruce Nimmer); Expert GRG staff teaches volunteers about the benefits of biochar production (Bruce Nimmer); GRG staff and volunteers gather and cut brush to size before placing in the biochar kiln (Bruce Nimmer).