But according to Cahoj, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and constant tillage are degrading these soils. Recognizing that farmers need techniques for soil restoration that are simple and affordable, he developed a gasifier specifically designed for switchgrass, a native prairie grass that is easy to grow. It also makes a superior cattle feed and the deep root system of switchgrass helps to build soil carbon. Switchgrass is high in lignin, making it a good biochar feedstock. Cahoj saves the first cutting for cattle feed because it has a higher protein content. For biochar, he waits until the switchgrass goes dormant in the fall and then cuts it with a sickle mower, rakes it and round bales it. Baling it keeps the bulk of it dry so it is ready to use in the gasifier.

Cahoj’s gasifier is based on the concept of a trench in the ground that has both primary and secondary air inlets to create a clean burn. But rather than dig into the erodible ground, Cahoj made his trench out of metal and he is offering his instructions to the public on the IBI Open Source Technology page. His goal is to help farmers become more self-sufficient and less reliant on costly inputs that degrade soils over time.

Cahoj has also educated himself about the use of biochar in the soil. He has sought advice from Dr. David Laird, a professor in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University and traveled to the University to see the biochar field trials there. Laird said: “Ed lives down near Springfield, Missouri in a region dominated by highly weathered-clay rich soils, which typically have low native fertility and are difficult to manage. Biochar has the potential to improve those soils by increasing nutrient and water retention and by reducing soil bulk density, which makes the soils more friable. Most biochars are also a liming agent and highly weathered soils typically need lime to be productive.”

Laird has not analyzed the char produced by Cahoj’s switchgrass pyrolyzer, so he cannot make specific prescriptions for use of the biochar in the soil on Cahoj’s farm, but Cahoj has undertaken his own small-scale biochar trials in his home garden. He has also given samples to friends and neighbors who are pleased with the results.

He sees friends and neighbors around him going through hard times. People have become more reliant on their home gardens for food to eat. “Biochar can help increase food security,” Cahoj said, “and that makes me happy.” For more information on this work, contact Ed Cahoj.

Photo: Switchgrass in the field; courtesy of Ed Cahoj.