Harnessing Biochar

Trees toppled and rivers swelled under the throws of Hurricane Helene, leaving behind extensive damage. For forests, an excess of fallen trees means a higher risk of wildfire, slower recovery and new challenges for wildlife and communities.  

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But what if that debris could be used to help repair flood damaged topsoil throughout the area while reducing fuel? Seeing a great need across the forest, the USDA Forest Service looked to a special machine that can turn this woody debris into something useful- biochar.  

Biochar is carbon rich material created from heating wood and other organic material in low carbon conditions. Instead of piling, hauling, or burning damaged timber, it can now be put to work. The result is a product that enriches soil, improves water retention and helps to store carbon. Benefits that ripple out to farms, forests and local businesses. The Forest Service's Southern Research Station joined this exciting effort, collaborating with researchers, landowners, and community partners to showcase its potential.  

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Last winter, at the Suncrest Mulch in Waynesville, North Carolina, researchers demonstrated how this process can give storm debris new life. 

"Biochar represents a turning point in how we manage forest debris,” said Tara Keyser, silviculturist with the National Forests in North Carolina. “It's a solution that addresses environmental challenges while creating opportunities for our communities." 

The approach is already in action. After the paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, shut down in 2023, John Fletcher, owner of Suncrest Mulch, converted his chip mill into a mulch operation. This is where the Southern Research Station has been operating the biochar machine. 

"It’s about turning waste into a resource," said Fletcher. "Biochar not only supports healthier forests but also creates a product that benefits local businesses and landowners. I'm excited to see where this can go."  

National Forests in North Carolina has partnered with the Southern Research Station and North Carolina State University to produce 10,000 pounds of biochar for an oak restoration study. Mature oaks are a dominant tree species in North Carolina; however new growth is being overtaken by maple and yellow poplar trees that use about four times the amount of water. The team plans to create more favorable soil conditions for oak species by adding biochar to plots on a young forest where this phenomenon is present.  

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One of the main challenges to applying biochar to areas in Western North Carolina is the terrain. The Rocky Mountain Research Station has developed a promising solution. To maneuver sloped terrain, they’ve created a biochar spreader that can be mounted on a log forwarder. The spreader can be adjusted to carry different amounts at different speeds.  

Yale University has also begun exploring the cost, life cycle and effects of different wood species on biochar made from pulpwood in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Southern Research Station, along with North Carolina State and Ohio State University is identifying potential pulpwood biochar facilities across the southern Appalachian Mountain region, while also running a market analysis and economic model.  

“Biochar's versatility makes it an exciting tool for addressing some of North Carolina’s biggest environmental challenges like the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Keyser. 

"From improving soil health to supporting sustainable businesses, this is an investment in the future of our forests and communities," said Keyser.