About biochar
Biochar is a stable, carbon rich form of charcoal produced by heating organic waste materials at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment (a process called pyrolysis). It creates an incredibly porous substance, which has a number of qualities that deliver an array of different benefits.
Biochar comes in two forms, pure uncharged biochar, and charged biochar. The differences are outlined below.
Pure biochar - this is the product in its raw form, produced during the pyrolysis process, it is then cooled and packaged, with nothing added to it. You can either charge it yourself before using or use in your chicken coop to absorb moisture and help eliminate odours.
Charged biochar - this product is biochar made through the same process of pyrolysis, but then ‘charged’ or enriched by infusing it with natural, chemical free fertilisers and microbes. This products is ready to be used, straight out of the box, to improve your soil.
Why you should use biochar:
Biochar's unique composition and structure results in it a number of different properties, these include:
- Improve Water Retention in the Soil: Due to its porous, sponge-like structure, biochar can significantly increase the ability of soil to hold water. This enhances plant resilience during drought and improves water-use efficiency.
- Increased Nutrient Retention and Efficiency: Biochar has a high surface area and acts as a reservoir for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. It prevents these nutrients from leaching into groundwater, making them more available for plants and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
- Microbial Habitat Support: The porous structure of biochar provides an ideal habitat for beneficial soil microbes (bacteria and fungi), which enhances soil biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
- Carbon Sequestration (Long-term Storage): Biochar is highly resistant to decomposition, allowing it to remain in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. This locks away carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2.
- Soil Fertility and pH Enhancement: Biochar is generally alkaline, which helps neutralize acidic soils. It improves soil structure, aeration, and increases Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), allowing the soil to hold essential plant nutrients.
