What is your favorite biochar book? And why?

That’s the question we recently posed to our readers. The result is this curated selection of essential reading, as recommended by the Biochar Today community.

This compilation spans a spectrum of expertise, from practical application to advanced scientific inquiry. Kathleen Draper’s “Burn” ignited Steen Rasmussen’s enthusiasm for biochar’s transformative potential, while the “Farmer’s Guide” by Joseph and Taylor provides invaluable, localized instruction for agricultural practitioners, earning commendation from Don Coyne. For a rigorous scientific foundation, “Biochar for Environmental Management,” edited by Lehmann and Joseph, stands as a seminal text.

Whether your interest lies in the practical implementation of biochar within agricultural systems or the intricate science underpinning its environmental impact, these recommended titles offer a wealth of knowledge and insight for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike. In no particular order, discover the books that have shaped the field and further your understanding of this vital resource.

What do you think of this list? What other biochar books wold you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Burn: Igniting a New Carbon Drawdown Economy to End the Climate Crisis 

By Kathleen Draper

“I was fortunate to meet John Webster at a carbon conference a couple of years ago and then he mentioned that it was kismet that we sat beside each other and then he introduced me to Kathleen Draper, author of BURN.

We chatted and then she reached into her bag and gave me a signed copy of her book with the inscription ‘Carpe Diem.’

I read that book and was hooked on biochar and scaling it because of the +1,000 uses from biochar, and making biochar from waste biomass.”

Steen Rasmussen, Principal, Ikigai Carbon

A farmer’s guide to the production, use and application of biochar 

By Stephen Joseph & Paul Taylor

“ANZBIG’s Farmers Guide for the Production and Use of Biochar & Wood Vinegar is an essential resource for anyone seeking to integrate biochar and wood vinegar into agricultural practices. The guide provides clear, practical instructions for the production and application of these technologies, tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities faced by Australian and New Zealand farmers. By offering actionable insights, the guide empowers farmers to improve soil health, enhance crop yields, and reduce environmental impact.

This guide is particularly valuable as it bridges the gap between scientific research and on-farm application. It highlights how biochar and wood vinegar can contribute to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture while delivering economic benefits. As the global push for regenerative farming grows, this publication offers a timely and localized tool for transforming agricultural practices in a way that benefits both farmers and the environment.”

Don Coyne, CEO, ANZ Biochar Industry Group

Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Torrefaction: Practical Design, Theory, and Climate Change Mitigation

By Prabir Basu & Priyanka Kaushal

“This book goes straight to the basics of all technologies, it is a cult book that brings together a lot of information and methods to learn about thermochemical processes. It will save decision makers a lot of money.”

Javier Ordonez, ITER Technologies

The Biochar Solution

By Albert Brooks

“I found this book on biochar to be a treasure trove of information. I learned so much, not just about biochar itself, but also about ancient civilizations, farming practices, and even how to help developing countries. The author’s writing style kept me engaged, and I appreciated the well-cited references. I’m now even considering building my own pyrolysis stove! I think anyone interested in farming, carbon management, botany, or chemistry would enjoy this book as much as I did.”

Anonymous

The Biochar Handbook: A Practical Guide to Making and Using Bioactivated Charcoal

By Kelpie Wilson

“The Biochar Handbook is an excellent resource and starting point for anyone looking to dig deeper into the making and use of biochar. The illustrations and photographs make the book an easy and informative read, and there are references at the back of the book should you want to explore topics further.”

Don Harfield, CEO, Charterra

Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation

Edited by Johannes Lehmann & Stephen Joseph

“If there is one book that has shaped my journey in biochar research, it is undoubtedly Biochar for Environmental Management: Science and Technology, edited by Johannes Lehmann and Stephen Joseph. This book was more than just a reference—it was my compass when I first stepped into the world of biochar.

In the early days of my research, when biochar was still an emerging field, this book became my foundation. I devoured every chapter, read between the lines, and absorbed its insights like a sponge. It wasn’t just a guide; it was a mentor in print, providing both the essential fundamentals and an in-depth analysis of biochar’s role in environmental management.

What makes this book exceptional is its meticulous evaluation of every aspect of biochar—from its scientific properties to its real-world applications. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike. As its title suggests, it truly manages to satisfy our curiosity and quest for knowledge, laying a solid cornerstone for global environmental sustainability.

I owe more to this book than words can express. It fueled my momentum, shaped my perspective, and continues to be my go-to resource. For anyone passionate about biochar, this is not just a book—it’s the book.”

Shanthi Prabha V, Science Editor, Biochar Today

The Biochar Revolution

The Biochar Revolution

Edited by Paul Taylor

“I was struggling to understand biochar, sifting through scattered online articles, when I finally found this book. It compiled everything I needed in one place, clearly explaining the what and why of biochar. While I wished for more detailed instructions on home production, especially simpler methods, the book provided a solid foundation. This book was published in 2010, so it is a little out of date given how fast the field is progressing, but I hear there is a second edition of the volume in the works, which would be most welcome.”

Anonymous


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