Biochar Frequently Asked Questions What Is the difference between biochar and compost? Can worms Live in biochar? Does biochar add nitrogen to the soil? Is biochar just burnt wood? Is biochar good for tomatoes? Can biochar burn plants? Does biochar raise soil pH? Can I use regular charcoal as biochar? When it comes to plants, grass, and flowers, soil quality plays a major role in the robustness of your backyard oasis. However, the use of fertilizers and other chemicals can ravage your plants, while also contributing to environmental damage. Fortunately, there is a solution that boosts the health of your lawn and garden while also preserving the environment. Wakefield Biochar is ready to provide answers to questions like “what is biochar?” to ensure you have the best possible understanding of this soil amendment and its numerous benefits. Below we provide answers to some common questions about biochar. What Is the difference between biochar and compost? When it comes to biochar vs. compost in your garden, much depends on the current state of your soil. In many situations, a combination of biochar and compost is the most effective way to amend soil. While both have the ability to sequester carbon dioxide in the soil, biochar is far more effective at it. Can worms live in biochar? Further research is required to determine the impact that biochar can have on worm populations in soil. However, studies conducted so far indicate that long-term effects are unlikely that worms will live in only biochar media. There has been success of vermicomposting in biochar-amended soil. In cases where a negative impact on worms was discovered, it’s believed that factors like the pH level of soil and whether biochar was moistened prior to application may have played a role. Does biochar add nitrogen to the soil? As a soil amendment, biochar boosts the nutritional availability in soil for enhanced plant growth. Research also shows that premium biochar enhances nitrogen retention in soil, which is an essential nutrient for hearty, robust plants. Biochar is not a fertilizer and does not directly add nitrogen to the soil. It will reduce the loss of fertilizer from the soil through washout and evaporation. Nitrogen is a key element of chlorophyll, which enables plants to undergo photosynthesis. In this case, nitrogen fertilizers that include a biochar base have a positive impact on growth and have even been shown to improve crop yield within farming operations. Is biochar just burnt wood? There’s a lot more to biochar than just burnt wood. This completely sustainable organic soil conditioner not only improves soil structure and increases soil fertility, but it also plays a critical role in the sequestration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Is biochar good for tomatoes? Studies have established that biochar does positively impact the growth of tomato seedlings, without affecting the “good” soil bacteria. Additionally, biochar reduces the poor impact of acidic soils, which can prevent plants from accessing essential nutrients while simultaneously increasing the presence of other soil components to damaging levels. In soils with higher salinity levels, use of biochar application was also able to prevent ill-effects on tomato crops and boost the growth of these plants. Can biochar burn plants? Nitrogen based fertilizers can sometimes burn plants. This unwanted outcome naturally leads many people to ask “can biochar burn plants?” Keep in mind that biochar is a soil amendment, not a fertilizer. While it is effective for retaining nitrogen in the soil to ensure plants can access the essential nutrient, biochar will not burn plants. In addition to the benefits of biochar on plant growth, it also sequesters carbon in the soil. By preventing carbon release into the atmosphere, biochar helps reduce the impact of climate change. Does biochar raise soil pH? When soil has a low pH, it’s more acidic and less amenable to supporting optimum plant growth. In this case, biochar is a great addition to acidic soil, as it will raise the soil pH to make it more suitable for plant life. The presence of alkaline substances within biochar, such as phosphates, help neutralize acidic soils to ensure a better environment for all types of plants. Can I use regular charcoal as biochar? No, charcoal and biochar are produced differently. Regular charcoal is produced by deforestation and releases CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Charcoal is intended for use as a fuel source and biochar is intended for use as a soil conditioner. Do you have more questions about biochar and the many benefits it offers? Then feel free to contact – Wakefield BioChar for more information or to find out more about our product line and how it can enhance your outdoor landscape.