From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Huntsville Texas

does anyone out there have any experience making / using biochar? I've found a lot of articles on the internet but little practical experience related.

4/28/2012 12:05:07 PM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

I spoke to Keith Reed at the university of Guelph about this a couple years ago. His feeling was with our elevated levels of organic matter we would not see the advantage, however he encouraged me to give it a try. His suggestion was using bags of charcoal.

4/28/2012 3:01:40 PM

Joliet, IL

http://www.organic-gardening-shop.com/Agorganics/product_details.aspx?ProductID=615&Pname=ZEOMAX+Zeolite+Turf+Aid+50+lb

http://www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com/biochar_plus_info


I have added 40 pounds of each over the past 3 years to each 700 sq ft planting spot. I needed structure while adding compost to my clay backyard soil. I chose these products over sand for the insane amount of surface they have in there microscopic porous structure.

The charcoal green is expensive and insulated with many microscopic beneficials. So if you make your own, I have read to soak it in compost tea or maybe biota max to set them critters up in a nice home prior to hitting the soil.

Once these products are incorporated, they are there to stay. Disease or wet patches might not be wise to use it. If well drained patch, these porous materials will help with lateral transfer of moisture to avoid hot spots with a licking process. This is why they use polite in golf coarse green topsoil. I am done adding and happy with my structure.

4/28/2012 7:47:22 PM

Joliet, IL

Innoculated...not insulated...smart phone got me again....dumb phone...lol

4/28/2012 7:50:28 PM

Joliet, IL

Wicking.....not licking.....I need to proofread......doh!

4/28/2012 7:52:09 PM

Joliet, IL

And it.....where the hell did polite come close to it.....sorry....triple DOH!

4/28/2012 7:54:40 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I was able to see past all that shazzy :)


Good read and something I may need to look into during the fall, I have a bunch of clay down about 10 inches.

I added a 200lbs. of sand this year but with the microscopic beneficials the charcoal green has this could be a better add!

Thanks shazzy!

4/28/2012 8:22:41 PM

Joliet, IL

There ain't a whole ton of good statistical info for proof either work in what we are trying to achieve. But I was very happy with the first soil test I have had done in 5 years....very balanced. There are many other things I have added, but I believe these components help retain and even replentish in some cases essential nutrients for more steadily availability even after heavy rainstorms. It seems to have worked for me results wise, but I can't tell anyone for sure if this why I had a decent run the past 4 years here in illinois.

4/28/2012 8:45:03 PM

Huntsville Texas

Thanks! appreciate the advice and info; added about 10# homemade charcoal to each hill this year,first time I ever tried this. It was a lot easier to grow them in Cary, Illinois; trying to compensate for coming heat waves by very deep digging (3 to 4 ') and best soil possible.

4/28/2012 9:52:37 PM

Joliet, IL

Hey Vimes,
Glad to share what I know. With high heat comes high diseases also. I have found in the high heat and humidity it is a good idea to crown your patch. Not severe, but enough for heavy run off laterally away from stump areas. Illinois has a combo of northern and southern weather patterns and lately it has been as hot and humid as anywhere. The charcoal should act like a sponge and be similar to biochar so drainage is key. The only difference in true biochar and charcoal is the porosity from the pryolisis or high temp low oxygen burning. How much of a differfence that makes, who knows. But when thinking about battling heat and having materials that retain moisture, remember the disease factor that may come with it.

4/28/2012 10:23:16 PM