you can use charcoal but it’s not the same as biochar...
here is a good link
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Make-Biochar-To-Improve-Your-Soil.aspx
Bookmarked.:)
Thank you. That is the same procedure we tried to make mesquite charcoal. The coyotes loved to lay on the mounds of warm dirt.
You can make your own rocket stove outa stuff you ususally throw in the trash. Do a search for “everything nice stove”. I gather branches from the yard under my oak tree and break ‘em into 9 inch lengths for the perfect fuel. I am hoping to start using the heat for somethign useful, like maybe distilling something. I have seeds for winter barley to use as a cover crop this winter. LOL.