Biochar carbon soil amendment increases the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of the soil, which represents the soil’s ability to retain nutrients in the soil for uptake by plants. Holistic Farm Solutions have seen significant results in trial work they have carried out with reduced drought stress on pastures.

This increased CEC allows for more active microbes and nutrients, leading to improved soil fertility, when applied with natural bases such as fish, seaweed and humates to feed the soil biology.  Biochar's high porosity and negative surface charge allows for numerous soil and plant benefits such as increased water retention, high nutrient availability, and plant growth.

BENEFITS OF BIOCHAR:

• increases the soil A horizon (topsoil) layer
• Lifts soil pH and potassium levels 
• Reduces capital fertiliser requirements
• Increases available K
• Lifts soil oxygen levels
• Boosts plant performance
• Improves soil microbial and worm life

By analysing Biochar’s effect of all of these factors, systems can be put in place in which soils can be remediated with the proper soil amendments where Biochar can be a singular input, or combined with other fertilisers or soil amendments as an intervention to improve soil health, water retention and plant growth.

Biochar is effectively a capital investment as it requires only one application and remains in the soil permanently.

Biochar  is ideal for sidelings, having high potassium levels. As K is often low on sloped ground due to leaching and erosion, Biochar can be a useful input as it may help in the reduction of erosion and while increasing topsoil depth.

Biochar results increase over time. It is important to add nitrogen when applying Biochar as this enhances its ability to work within the soil. The results increase incrementally over time and it may be 3 years before the results of a single application are visually noticeable.

Where soils are already at or close to optimal pH, Zeolite may be a better option or be able to be used in combination as it has a neutral pH.

For further information on trial work, look the Research & Development page

For ease of transferring Biochar to your fert spreader, the Fledbag is an ideal tool for safety and ease of work.

Available in bulk

Please contact us for details