Biomass Management in Community Forest using Biochar from "Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln": A Local Wisdom to Carbon Sequestration, Uttaradit Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Community forests in Tha Pla District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand, are predominantly dry dipterocarp and deciduous forest ecosystems that play a vital role in supporting local livelihoods and ecological balance. However, these areas have been facing recurring forest fires during the dry season, open burning for agricultural land preparation, and the continuous accumulation of natural biomass such as dry branches, fallen logs, and dead standing trees. This excessive fuel load significantly increases fire intensity and makes fire suppression difficult. The situation has led to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and deterioration of forest health. Moreover, open burning and wildfires contribute to the emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄), thereby affecting public health and exacerbating climate change at both local and global scales. Hotspot data recorded during 2023–2025 indicate a rising trend in fire incidents across Uttaradit Province, including areas surrounding Tha Pla District, highlighting the urgent need for an effective and sustainable biomass management strategy.

Objectives: This research aimed to (1) develop and implement the “Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln,” an innovative charcoal kiln that integrates local wisdom with scientific principles of combustion and pyrolysis for efficient biomass management; (2) establish a participatory change process that enhances community acceptance and ownership through participatory action research; and (3) evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of biochar application for soil improvement and wildfire risk reduction.

Methodology: The study adopted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach involving university researchers, a local wisdom expert in charcoal production, local administrative organizations, community leaders, and farmer groups. The implementation process consisted of five major stages. First, community engagement and consensus building were conducted through the AIC (Appreciation–Influence–Control) process, enabling stakeholders to reflect on local fire-related problems and collaboratively define solutions. Second, knowledge exchange sessions were organized with a community charcoal expert to transfer experiential knowledge regarding temperature control, airflow management, and appropriate fire-extinguishing timing during charcoal production. Third, a prototype kiln was designed and developed with an open-bottom and inclined-wall structure to enhance air circulation and moisture release, thereby reducing incomplete combustion and smoke generation. Fourth, the performance and properties of the produced biochar were evaluated, including fixed carbon content, chemical functional groups and surface morphology. The integration of biochar application with moisture retention pits in forest areas was also tested. Finally, technology transfer and scaling-up activities were conducted through hands-on training workshops and field demonstrations in multiple communities.

Results and Findings: The results demonstrate that the Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln can produce high-quality biochar with approximately 80% fixed carbon content within only two hours. The pyrolysis process occurs optimally within a temperature range of 400–600°C, which promotes controlled thermal conversion and the formation of stable carbon structures. It was confirmed the transformation of biomass functional groups during carbonization and revealed a well-developed porous structure in the biochar produced by the Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln compared to conventional closed-bottom kilns. The porous structure enhances moisture retention capacity and soil carbon stabilization potential. When applied in community forest areas, the combined use of biochar and moisture enhancement practices significantly reduced the cost of firebreak construction from 15 THB to 3 THB (0.5 - 0.1 USD) per meter, resulting in annual savings exceeding 130,428 THB (4,347.6 USD). Household income increased by 20–28% through biochar sales and its use in organic agriculture. Furthermore, the number of labor days required for wildfire surveillance decreased by more than 10 days per year, representing cost savings of approximately 367,000 THB (12,233.33 USD). These findings highlight the economic viability and community-level benefits of intervention.

Outcome, Impacts and Sustainability: From an environmental perspective, biomass management through controlled biochar production reduced open burning activities, minimized PM2.5 emissions, and lowered the risk of cross-boundary wildfires. Satellite imagery analysis using the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) before and after project implementation showed an increasing trend in surface moisture levels in the experimental areas, indicating improved soil moisture conditions and ecosystem resilience. The stabilization of carbon in soil through biochar application supports long-term carbon sequestration and aligns with sustainable biomass fuel management principles and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy framework.

The Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln represents an innovative integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific principles, offering a practical and community-driven solution for wildfire mitigation and ecosystem restoration. The participatory process not only facilitated technological adoption but also strengthened community networks, local learning systems, and shared responsibility for forest management. The project demonstrates tangible impacts across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, including reduced fire risk, improved soil quality, enhanced household income, and decreased public health risks associated with air pollution. As a scalable and area-based innovation, the Ta-Ya-Ki Kiln model provides a sustainable pathway for biomass management and carbon sequestration in fire-prone community forest landscapes, contributing to climate change mitigation and long-term community resilience.