BioChar Soil Amendment

BioChar

BioChar – “Nature’s Wonder Product”

Biochar is a solid material obtained from the carbonization thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environments. In more technical terms, it is produced by thermal decomposition of organic material (biomass such as wood, manure or leaves) under limited supply of oxygen, and at relatively low temperatures. This process mirrors the production of charcoal, which is perhaps the most ancient industrial technology developed by humankind.

Impact on Agriculture:

It remains in the soil indefinitely, and single applications can provide benefits over many years. Decades of research in Japan and recent studies in the U.S. have shown that it stimulates the activity of a variety of agriculturally important soil microorganisms, and can greatly affect the microbiological properties of soils. The pores in provide a suitable habitat for many microorganisms by protecting them from predation and drying. It can reduce soil acidity which decreases liming needs, but in most cases does not actually add nutrients in any appreciable amount. It retains nutrients in soil directly through the negative charge that develops on its surfaces, and this negative charge can buffer acidity in the soil, as does organic matter in general.

SOIL AND AIR BENEFIT:

This provides a unique opportunity to improve soil fertility for the long term using locally available materials.

BioChar is derived from biomass that accumulated carbon through the process of photosynthesis during the life of the original plant.

Benefits to the Soil:

  • Improves soil moisture holding capacity
  • Improves pH (liming)
  • Improves nutrient retention
  • Improves soil pliability
  • Improves produce/biomass yield (with addition of adequate plant nutrients)

Ingredients:

  • Biochar – created 100% from wood (including ash and moisture)
  • Guaranteed Analysis (dry basis, % by weight)
    BioChar – 100%
  • Carbon equal to or more than – 70%
  • Total Ash equal to or less than – 30