What Is Biochar? Biochar is a plant-based, all-natural soil conditioner made entirely from recycled wood that keeps your soil healthier year after year! VIRGIN WOOD. Tree scraps from paper mills would be discarded or sent to a landfill — either way they decompose, releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. BENEFICIAL REUSE / UPCYCLING. With Wakefield, this organic waste is reclaimed and turned into an incredible soil conditioner. SUSTAINABLY PROCESSED. The wood is heated at a very high temperature (pyrolysis). No oxygen is used, so it burns without emitting harmful gases in a carbon-negative process. CERTIFIED. Wakefield is the only biochar that is OMRI-Listed. We ensure our organic wood and plant materials come from responsibly managed forests that put the environment first. the science of biochar how to use biochar Download Our Biochar Product Guide Learn more about how biochar is used in gardening in the episode of OutStanding with Wakefield. The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture explains how biochar is a part of their planning for great soil health! Improve soil health with increased biodiversity Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic matter, such as agricultural residues or woody biomass. When incorporated into soil, biochar can have several positive effects on soil biodiversity. Firstly, it acts as a stable carbon reservoir, enhancing soil structure and water retention, creating a conducive environment for microbial communities. These microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, promoting overall soil health. Moreover, biochar can serve as a habitat for beneficial microbes, fostering a diverse microbial community. This diversity contributes to increased nutrient availability and efficient breakdown of organic matter. Additionally, biochar has been shown to positively influence soil pH, creating conditions that are favorable for a wide range of soil organisms. As a result, the use of biochar in agriculture and land management practices can contribute to the enhancement of soil biodiversity, supporting the sustainability of ecosystems and agricultural productivity. With biochar, you’ll make a healthier planet, too. For every 1 pound of biochar, about 2 pounds of C02 are removed from the atmosphere. Source: US Geological Survey, “What is Carbon Sequestering”, 2022 US Biochar Initiative (USBI), “An Ancient Soil Conditioner”, 2021