Page 57 - Climate Compliance

At the school, several experiments have been made to find the best way to make
biochar. In 2016, a kiln was created, where the wood gas (pyrolysis gas) from
the char chamber goes back to the fire underneath the char chamber, so more 57
wood gas can be released and the charring process can go faster. Even though the
insulation system still needs to be worked on, this kiln design has proven to be
quite efficient. It provides the garden with a weekly production of biochar.

Mulching

Soft rotten wood, dry leaves and grass clippings are mixed with horse manure
and biochar. This mixture is then applied to the top of the garden beds as mulch;
to reduce soil erosion, control weeds and increase water retention. The mulch,
itself in time becomes fertiliser, as it is transformed into rich humus by the soil
microbes.

Every week, the mulch layer in the garden beds are maintained by the students
and teachers.