Coconut *husks* for biochar?
Processing many coconut husks (not shells, outer husk) known by many as coconut coir. Locally grown, considered waste. Soak in water for a week or 2, hammered to fracture the leather-like outer skin, allowing the fiber to be pulled (like wool, but pure lignin.) Great compost resistant soil additive that does not compete for soil nutrients like woodchips.
To the point: Pulling the last bit of fiber from the leathery outer shell of the husk is not worth the effort. Can inoculate with mycelium and bury or re-dry and char. Any experienced opinions appreciated.
Posted Dec 12, 2021, 2:07 PM UTC · edited
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I use husks quite frequently. They burn fast, so you will need to constant feed the fire to ensure the char does not turn to ash.
They also can generate a lot of smoke due to their natural tendency to hold moisture.
Thank you, very helpful. Fear of excessive smoke is what prompted me to ask. I have an excellent charring set up that minimizes smoke. Was very good when I lived very rural, but age and a physical disability prompted a move to sub-suburban. Don't want to smokeout and alienate my new neighbors. Have other much drier materials (bamboo, brush, twiggy prunings) that I believe I can char virtually smokeless.
As stated above, we remove about 90% of the fiber as an excellent soil conditioner because of its moisture holding tendency. I'll innoculate that leathery outer husk with mycelium, bury it, hopefully grow mushrooms.
Thanks again.