Frequently asked questions
Can barbeque charcoals be used as biochar?
Generally, no. Charcoal briquettes are mostly made from de-volatilized coal and contain chemicals that can
be toxic to plant growth and should not be used in soils. Lump charcoals, such as those made from kiawe (mesquite) or oak, are designed for use as cooking fuel. Analysis of several such charcoals revealed variation in quantities of undesirable tars, resins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and, typically, lower adsorption capacities, thus lessening their ability to improve soil quality.