Cooperate WNC Biochar Kiln Loan Program

Do you have woody debris you are looking to get rid of? Turn your debris into biochar, a valuable resource that can build soil nutrients and structure for the long term.

Rent a kiln free of charge! There are 5 biochar kilns available to borrow from 4 different locations in WNC. Kilns are currently located in Marshall, Spruce Pine, Celo, and south Asheville.

The program was developed by Working Landscapes, a non-profit based in Warren County, NC. They have passed the program on to different organizations in western NC, including Cooperate WNC. Cooperate WNC is excited to carry the program forward, seeing this as an opportunity to facilitate regenerative agriculture and help farmers in the region repair and improve soil for the long term.

• There are 5 biochar kilns available to borrow from 4 different locations in WNC.

• Kilns are currently located in Marshall, Spruce Pine, Celo, and south Asheville.

• You will need approximately 3-4 cubic yards of feedstock for one burn.

Rent a kiln free of charge!

Two types of kilns will be available to rent: Ring of Fire or the Oregon kiln. The Oregon kiln is good for small to medium size producers and makes up to 1.4 cubic yard of biochar in about 4 hours. The Ring of Fire is a good option if you would like to produce larger amounts of biochar or if multiple farms want to get together for a bigger burn.

You’ll pick up the kiln, use it for a period of two weeks, then return the kiln to the host site or the next user in line will pick it up from you.

Step 1: Fill out the interest form to join the waiting list

Step 2: Cooperate WNC will follow up with you to arrange your pickup time

Step 3: You’ll pick up the kiln, use it for a period of two weeks, then return the kiln to the host site or the next user in line will pick it up from you.

Video: Using the Oregon kiln

Document: How to make biochar in the Oregon kiln

Video: Using the Ring of Fire kiln

Document: How to make biochar in the Ring of Fire kiln