Microbes Matter

Biochar – Description

HFC Biochar is a raw and non-inoculated carbon soil amendment. Biochar is a soil enhancer, not a fertilizer; it doesn’t contain nutrients, it stores them. It makes fertilizing more efficient by lowering the demand. Biochar has been used in agriculture for more than 2,500 years and is becoming increasingly popular as a safe, sustainable soil amendment because it has:

  • A larger, complex surface area that provides a habitat for soil microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
  • A porous structure that retains water and nutrients.
  • A negative charge which attracts, and stores positively charged cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also binds to other positively charged chemicals, like heavy metals. 
  • A high carbon content that will not be broken down for many years. It is a soil enhancer and contains no nutrients by itself.

If raw non-inoculated biochar is mixed into your soil, it will absorb the nutrients and water temporarily which could result in less plant growth. Activating or “charging” is essential before use in the garden, potted plants, or in the landscape. Once it has been charged it will release excess nutrients and water and be made available to plants.

There are many methods to activate your biochar, and they all need unchlorinated water.  The simplest way is to mix up to a 50/50 mixture of compost and biochar. Keep the mixture damp and at a temperature around 70 degrees F and it will be ready for use in a couple of weeks.

Biochar – Application

Biochar can be used to improve poor soil or supplement healthy soil. Incorporating biochar into potting mixes and garden beds can significantly enhance plant growth, soil structure, and nutrient availability. The amount of biochar you need depends on the soil quality and area of application.

Here are some recommendations for using biochar in the garden:

  1. A simple way to charge it before use is to combine it with organic matter like compost or a liquid fish fertilizer and let it sit for a couple of weeks before use.
  2. Ideally, biochar should be applied near the plant’s root zone (top 4 to 6 inches of soil) to minimize the chance that the biochar will be disturbed, dried out, or blown away.
  3. Determine the correct ratio when incorporating biochar into potting mixes or garden beds. Start with a ratio of 5-10% biochar by volume and adjust as needed based on plant requirements, soil type, and desired outcomes. It will increase the pH of soil so make increases gradually so you can monitor its impact and make necessary adjustments.
  4. Try pre-soaking biochar in water (or compost extract) before application to improve its water-holding capacity and prevent it from drawing moisture away from plant roots. Biochar does a great job retaining water, which is helpful in dry or sandy soils. Make sure to monitor moisture levels to avoid over-watering or waterlogging. Adjust watering frequency and amount based on the specific needs of your plants.