Studies confirm that BioChar-enriched soils grow larger and healthier plants with a larger crop, especially in inferior quality soils, due to weather damage, and floods. In fact, Biochar Now users report that their financial expenses for use of bio-char are paid during the first year due to an increase in revenue from the increase yields as well as decrease in the inputs for water, fertilizer, and pesticides per acre.

An increase in soil fertility is attributed to the unique properties of Biochar due to its adsorption and stability in comparison to other organic supplements. BioChar is much more effective at preserving nutrients, and preserving them to be available to plants when they need it. Biochar maintains a porous structure, which attracts beneficial bacteria, retains nutrients, retains moisture - properties that increase fertilizer efficiency and increase crop yields, while reducing the need for irrigation. Biochar is much more stable in the soil environment than any other organic material.

Support for sustainable agriculture:

Studies show BioChar has many positive effects on the soil, including:

• Increasing the water penetration capacity and water grip

• Improving soil structure, tilt and stability

• Increased cation exchange capacity (CEC)

• Increased adsorption of ammonium, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium ions

• Increased storage of nutrients over regular organic matter

• Increased nutritional value & quality of fruits and vegetables

• Improved buffering of soil pH and stability

• Increased diversity of soil bio-organisms

• Improved and denser root development

• Reduction of  Fertilizer, especially nitrogen and phosphorus  

• Reducing overall of fertilizer requirements

• Reducing nitric oxide emissions by 50-80%

Biochar is a powerful material for improving the structure of the soil. BioChar can be a "significant reinforcement player" for increasing basic food security, a local supply chain, and a variety of crops in particular, in areas with poor soils quality, and limited resources in water. Increased soil fertility and agricultural yields as a result of the use of BioChar may also reduce the need for deforestation for agricultural purposes.

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Recommendations Before Applying BioChar to Crops, Orchards, or Vineyards for Maximum Benefits in a Short Time

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Biochar alone may not provide sufficient benefits to plants and soil life, unless it is first inoculated or activated with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms prior to crop application. Please Note: BioChar may be applied directly to crops without inoculation, but it will take more time to realize all the short & long term benefits.

Inoculation of Biochar is a process of loading the Biochar with various substances that enhance its properties and functions in the soil. For food crops, inoculation of Biochar can increase crop yield, nutrient uptake, water retention, disease resistance and soil health. There are different methods of inoculating Biochar, such as composting, vermicomposting, compost tea, bacterial consortium and mycorrhizal fungi. The choice of inoculation method depends on the availability of materials, the type of Biochar, the crop and the soil conditions. Inoculation of Biochar before application to food crops is a recommended practice that can optimize the use of this valuable soil amendment.
 

It is highly recommended that before applying BioChar to crops it should be mixed with a good quality compost, or even better, first soaked in a specially prepared tea containing a full spectrum of plant nutrients and a cocktail of beneficial micro-organisms. This tea is prepared in large vats in which the BioChar, placed in large net bags, is dipped in to the tea mixture for a short time, and then removed and mixed with the compost. This mixture is then stored under a large tarp in the field and allowed to age for 30-60 days like a fine wine.

This process is called "BioChar Charging" or "Inoculation". Think of it like charging up a battery bank, and then discharging it over time only when needed to supply the plants requirements for water and nutrients. This will prevent the huge current waste of the majority of water and fertilizer now leaching into the soil and contaminating the ground water.

To learn more about the art and science of BioChar Inoculation, visit our partner organization K-Organics whom we cooperate & collaborate with in helping farmers/ranchers maximize and get the most out of our BioChar Now product. We will provide each customer with a personalized BioChar Inoculation recipe most suited to the crop type and location for obtaining the best results. 

The farmer would apply the BioChar or BioChar-compost in the most appropriate way for their soils and crops following the guidelines of the Soil Carbon Amendment (808/336) conservation practice. Typical applications might include: use of BioChar with nutrient sources at 400-1000 lbs per acre in pre-till or strip tillage of corn or soybeans; 400 lbs of BioChar with 1600 lbs of compost for application at 1-2 tons per acre in vineyards, orchards and row crops; or deep banding of BioChar at 1-10 tons per acre when seeding grains.

Ten dry tons applied to the top 6 inches of one acre will increase soil carbon by 1% which would increase water retention by approximately 26,000 gallons which in areas were there is drought, can mean the difference between crop success or failure, sustainable bounty, or famine.

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