What does science say about biochar?

There is a huge amount of scientific research available on biochar's benefits as a soil amendment.

Biochar increases water retention

Water retention, or water holding capacity, is the measure of your soil's ability to retain moisture.

A 2013 study found that biochar application more than doubled the water holding capacity (from 16% to 32.5%) in loamy sand soils that are prevalent in North America.
A 2012 study in Iowa found that just a 6% (by soil volume) biochar application increased local water holding capacity by 23% relative to control.
In our 2022 product test with PHD Jonathan Mongomemry, we measured a 30% increase in water holding capacity from a 15% application of biochar.

Note that these studies were using naked biochar (not activated) to limit variances. Activating biochar as we do in our products will only further increase the water holding capacity of biochar.

Biochar increases nutrient retention

Along with water and sunlight, nutrients are essential for plants to thrive.

A 2019 study found that biochar application increased soil-available phosphorus by 45% across a full range of soil conditions and experimental conditions.
A 2018 analysis (summary of 208 peer reviewed studies) found that biochar application on average increase N₂ fixation by 63% and N update by 9%
In our 2022 product test we completed with PHD Jonathan Mongommery, our biochar increased magnesium and calcium by up to 60%.

Biochar increases microbial activity

Nutrients are useless for plants without microbes to cycle them into usable forms. Soil quality is directly related to the microbial life it can support.

A 2016 analysis of 80 peer reviewed studies found that biochar application increased soil microbial biomass carbon by 25% on average.
A 2017 analysis of 550 papers found that there was a 25% increase in soil microbial biomass nitrogen with the addition of biochar.
A 2019 analysis of 417 peer reviewed papers found that on average, biochar application led to a 39% increase in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). This is linked with microbial community composition and diversity).

Activated biochar = better results

Although the above results are impressive, we expect for you to get even better results with our unique biochar activation formula. Scientific studies tend to often use non-activated (naked) biochar to reduce variables inputs, but it's the activation of biochar that gives it so many of it's beneficial properties.

Nutrient Blend

$24.00

An all purpose mix of vermicompost, organic nutrients and biochar

An effective blend of worm castings, essential nutrients and biochar that is suitable for mixing directly in all types of soil.

Better growth rates from nutrient-rich formula
Permanently improved microbial life and soil aeration
Increased resilience to droughts and stressors
100% organic, 100% peat-free
4 L package size

Why it's different

Nutrients last longer: Biochar helps your soil hold onto nutrients and microbes that will slowly be released as your plants need them.
Less watering needed: Biochar holds 5x its weight in water keeping it available to your plants for longer.
Climate friendly: Biochar removes carbon from the atmosphere and we never use peat-moss, synthetic chemicals or other high-carbon footprint ingredients.

Application rates

Seedlings and young plants: Mix about a handful (100 ml) of the blend into the potting soil or planting hole. This will provide a nutrient boost and enhance the soil structure.
Established plants: Apply one or two handfuls (100-200 ml) of the blend as top dressing around the base of the plant. You can either apply about a half in layer on the soil surface, or mix it into the top few inches (5-10 cm) of the soil.
Container and indoor plants: Before planting mix the blend into your potting soil at about 10-20% by volume. If they are already planted, you can periodically apply the blend as top dressing to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure.
Over-seeding lawn: Spread about 1/4" of the blend (with plenty of seed!) onto the affected area of your lawn and then water generously and keep moist. One 4L package covers 16 ft² of lawn.

Guaranteed analysis

Primary nutrients:

Nitrogen: 1.2%
Phosphate (P2O5): 1.2%
Potash (K2O): 1.5%
Maximum moisture: 60%

Micronutrients:

Calcium: 5%
Copper: 900 ppm
Sodium: 0.2%
Iron: 850 ppm
Magnesium: 1.1%
Manganese: 250 ppm
Zinc: 200 ppm

All values provided on a dry basis.

Made with

Organic vermicompost: Nutrient and microbe-rich worm castings sourced from a family farm in Quebec, Canada.
Activated biochar: High-quality biochar sourced from sustainable forestry residue in BC, Canada.
Blood meal (<1%): Organic and upcycled source of nitrogen.
Rock Phosphate (<1%): Natural source of phosphate for your soil.
Langbeinite (<1%): Naturally mined crystalline that supplies potassium and micronutrients.
Mycorrhizal fungi (<1%): Forms a root-like structure that helps absorb more nutrients and pass them on to plant roots.

Additional info