Prolong your growing seasons
How to benefit from biochar application
What is biochar for farming?
Biochar, a stable and carbon-rich form of charcoal, is produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials like plant waste or manure. When added to farm soils, it functions akin to a sponge, enhancing soil structure and water retention, which is especially advantageous in drought-prone areas. Biochar improves soil fertility by retaining essential nutrients and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Its porous nature also creates a conducive environment for beneficial soil microbes, thereby further promoting soil health and plant growth.
Unit economics
The application of biochar in farming practices extends growing seasons, enabling more frequent harvests and thus higher crop yields. This increase in productivity is particularly valuable for regions with short growing periods. Biochar's water retention properties significantly reduce irrigation requirements, offering both environmental benefits and cost savings in water management. Additionally, its ability to hold nutrients decreases the dependency on chemical fertilizers, further reducing operational expenses. Enhanced nutrient retention also promotes healthier plant growth.
How to apply it
For the best results, applying about 1-10 tons of biochar per acre is recommended. This flexible range caters to different soil types and agricultural requirements. The process entails evenly dispersing the biochar over the soil's surface and then blending it into the topsoil, either by hand or with conventional farming tools. This approach guarantees thorough mixing of the biochar with the soil, optimizing its advantages in enhancing water retention, nutrient retention, and soil structure.
What the research has found
Yield increases in ton per hectare
Kätterer et al. did a field experiment on maize crops on 24 plots around Kenya applying varying levels of biochar.
1 ton of biochar per hectare led to an average increase of 1 ton of maize per hectare
5 tons of biochar per hectare led to an average increase of 2,6 tons of maize per hectare
10 tons of biochar per hectare led to an average increase of 4 tons of maize per hectare.
Read the full report here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-022-00793-5
Drought resistance and effect on crop yield
Yang et al. did a field experiment on quinoa comparing yields with 0% vs 5% of biochar in the soil. They tested the difference both for normal soils with deficit irrigation and full irrigation. They found that bio-charred soils got 11% higher crop yields under deficit irrigation.
Read the full report here: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/10/6/912
Similarly, Haider et al. did an experiment on wheat yields and found that the economic yield was 14% higher for wheat planted in drought conditions with bio-charred soils vs soils without bio-char.
Read the full report here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319610320301447#t0010