What is Biochar?
Biochar is a porous charcoal that has multiple benefits:
- Well recognised for being able to hold moisture so this often means less watering is needed and better tolerance of drought conditions.
- Biochar has a porous structure which helps aerate soil and passage for root development.
- Biochar retains nutrients in soil directly through the negative charge that develops on its surfaces this often means less fertiliser is needed as it prevents nutrients being leached "washed away" from plant roots. Biochar itself is not a fertiliser and therefore for immediate benefits it is best used with compost or other nutrient addition.
- Biochar is a store of plant carbon that otherwise would largely breakdown over time, making it a long-term store of carbon and ongoing benefit in soil. This means that it locks up carbon that was destined to be atmospheric carbon dioxide. Therefore this is helping to restore the carbon balance.
- "Biochar stimulates the activity of a variety of agriculturally important soil microorganisms"(1) which promotes fertile soil.
Not all Biochar is made with the environment in mind. Unfortunately some is made from trees that are valuable habitat and food sources for native animals, as well as for honey bees. Our biochar is made from wood destined to be burnt or to rot away. Additionally the method of making Biochar varies. Our process is fully contained and temperature controlled throughout the process making sure a consistent high quality product is achieved.
By purchasing Triple R Biochar you can be sure you are caring for the environment and your garden simultaneously.
Typically it is recommended to use it at a rate of 10% in potting mix or soil. Commonly it is recommended to prime "activate" the Biochar with nutrient rich material before addition to soil such as a quality compost (50% Biochar:50%compost) and left for 24hours or more before use. This can be done in a wheelbarrow.
More information about Biochar can be found at the International Biochar Initiative website http://www.biochar-international.org & http://www.triplerbiochar.com.au
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