Preparing Biomixture

On 3/12/25, the biomixture components were measured and combined in separate trash cans. Since some quantities were less than 5 gallons and the buckets lacked measurement markings, the height of a 5-gallon bucket was used to calculate the required heights for each component. The internal height of the bucket was 14.25 inches.

For the 3.25 gallons of topsoil and biochar, the necessary height was calculated using the ratio:

(3.25 gallons/5 gallons)*14.25 in=9.26 in

A tape measure was placed inside the bucket, and the mixture was filled to approximately 9.26 inches, assuming a margin of error of ±0.5 inches, resulting in an actual range of approximately 8.76 to 9.76 inches. For the woodchips, one bucket was filled completely (5 gallons), and an additional 1.5 gallons were measured by filling another bucket to a height of 4.275 inches.

After measuring each component, they were combined in their respective trash cans and thoroughly mixed with a shovel for approximately 5 minutes per can to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Figure 1. Measuring woodchips

Figure 2. Measuring Biochar

Figure 3. Measuring Topsoil

Figure 4. Five gallon buckets holding components

Figure 5. Pouring biochar into biomixture

Figure 6. Stirring biomixture

Figure 7. Biomixture with logging residues

Figure 8. Biomixture with woodchips

Drying Biomixture

To dry the biomixture, an environmental chamber was set to 70°C and 10% relative humidity and allowed to preheat overnight. However, due to chamber restrictions, the actual initial conditions when the biomixture was placed inside at 10:50 AM on 3/13/25, were 43.4°C and 20.6% relative humidity. The actual initial conditions can be seen in Figure 13.

Inside the chamber, a tarp was laid with a wooden beam underneath to keep the two biomixtures separate. Each biomixture was spread out on its respective side of the tarp to facilitate even drying.

Originally, the plan was to dry the biomixture at 100°C for 24 hours, but chamber limitations required an extended drying period of approximately 96 hours (4 days) until the mixture appeared dry. After 24 hours, the biomixture will be stirred to promote faster and more even drying.

Figure 9. Environmental chamber for drying

Figure 10. Setup for drying biomixture

Figure 11. Pouring biomixture into chamber

Figure 12. Biomixtures spread out in chamber

Figure 13. Initial Conditions of chamber for drying

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