Biochar question

[Appalachickens]

I have another probably odd question, this time about biochar. I was reading about using biochar as an additive to coop bedding and also in dust baths, and they always mention that in addition to burning wood, you can use all-natural charcoal (the kind without additives like lighter fluid, I'm assuming). It made me wonder if there was any reason not to use coal? We have a coal seam running under our land and find chunks of coal lying around all the time. I have a barrel full of coal I've collected. It's very brittle and flakes easily, so I'm thinking it's anthracite coal, but geology is not my area of expertise.

 

[AGeese]

I don't know of any reason not too. I think the main thing with all of it is to not let it get wet or hold moisture indefinitely, stir regularly. I've never used any coal or char myself.

 

[aart]

I would not think they are the same, similar in ways but not the same.
Biochar is burnt wood, and mostly used for improving soils.
I don't think coal has ever improved soil.
I'd look very closely before using it.

 

[Appalachickens]

I would not think they are the same, similar in ways but not the same.
Biochar is burnt wood, and mostly used for improving soils.
I don't think coal has ever improved soil.
I'd look very closely before using it.

I know coal isn’t wood, I was more wondering about its similarity to charcoal. And here, it’s in the soil whether it improves it or not. I may need to check with a homesteading group about this.

 

[aart]

I was more wondering about its similarity to charcoal.

Well, they are both largely carbon.

I may need to check with a homesteading group about this.

Might be better off finding a bio-char group.
Let us know what you learn.

 

[AGeese]

I know coal isn’t wood, I was more wondering about its similarity to charcoal. And here, it’s in the soil whether it improves it or not. I may need to check with a homesteading group about this.

Try here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/diy-self-sufficiency.16177/

 

[Appalachickens]

Well, they are both largely carbon.


Might be better off finding a bio-char group.
Let us know what you learn.

Will do.

 

[Appalachickens]

Try here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/diy-self-sufficiency.16177/

Thanks for that link.