Farming: what on earth is biochar?

Of all things, biochar turned out to be the long-lost Secret of El Dorado. If you have 50 minutes to spare please watch this fascinating documentary:

If you don't have that kind of time here's 10 minute introduction entitled "The Promise of BioChar":

If it sounds complicated than take heart with this short (two and a half minute) video of a chicken farmer who's a big biochar advocate:

Specifically, how can we make biochar on a smaller, more manageable scale without any fancy equipment? Watch this simple tutorial:

Finally, as with anything else, we always need to be aware of pros and cons. At least one researcher has some serious concerns about biochar, although note that his experiment used an excessive amount -- 25% -- of biochar in his soil:

Too much of a good thing isn't good, but used in moderation, biochar looks like a real option for Valhalla gardens and farming.