Description
Biochar or Horticultural charcoal is a magic combination of science and history.
It has been known to Horticulturists for hundreds of years that adding
carbon to a bed improves plant growth, but now we understand the science behind it.
So what is Biochar?
Small fine particles of carbon produced by burning wood in the absence of ozygen, formed as part of our charcoal making process.
Biochar is used as a soil ameliorant for both carbon sequestration and soil health benefits. Horticultural charcoal is a stable solid that is rich in carbon and can endure in soil for thousands of years.
How is it used?
Biochar can be added to a compost heap supercharge it. By mixing a small amount into the compost heap you can fix nutrients far more affectly meaning they are held within the structure for far longer.
It can also be added directly to a bed and dug in, this again will fix nutrients within the soil and allow it be be released of over a much longer period.
It also fixes water into the the soil and can be used on both beds and lawns. For many years the likes of Wimbledon tennis club have been using biochar as a dressing for center court.
You can also infuse your biochar with a tea of Cumfry.
The advantages of Biochar
As well as fixing nutrients and water into your soil structure biochar has been found to increase the growth of Mycorrhizae which in turn help your plants grow stronger.
