Biochar Application Rates
Note - Application rates are based on minimum rate only, application rates can be up to five times minimum rate depending on your starting soil conditions, Biochar can be safely re-applied each year to slowly increase carbon rates and increase your soils mineral and water holding capabilities, Biochar should be used as part of a soil improvement program, adding compost, worm castings, mineral rock dusts with Biochar will all benefit growing soils.
An application rate of 100g/m2 works out to 1,000kg/hectare, which is the minimum application rate suggested by researchers. As our Biochar also contains other base minerals a minimum application should still produce positive results.
Minimum application rate of 1000kg of BlackEarth Products mineral bonded Biochar to a hectare of land would contain the following.
612kg Fixed Carbon per hectare
28kg Nitrogen(N) per hectare
26kg Phosphate(P) per hectare
39kg Potassium(K) per hectare
59kg Calcium(Ca) per hectare
If heavy application’s of Biochar are required we would recommend a maximum application of 500g/m2 followed by another 500g/m2 application 12 months later.
1 Hand Full of BlackEarth Products Biochar = 50g approx.
Compost – Sprinkle over a hand full of Biochar after adding high nitrogen green waste to your compost bin. Add no more than 20% Biochar in layers to your compost.
Compost Tea – Add 2kg of Biochar into a cloth bag, cover with compost tea or vermiliquid (worm liquid) and leave to soak for a few weeks before adding to soil.
Planting Fruit Trees – Thoroughly mix 1.3kg of Biochar into topsoil or added compost when planting and water in.
Existing Fruit Trees – Add two generous hand fulls of Biochar per square metre around the tree’s drip line and then cover with compost and mulch, water in.
Vegetable Gardens – When adding compost or mulch to your growing soil add two generous hand fulls of Biochar per square metre, mulch and water in.
Native Tree’s and Gardens – Australian native trees are often suited to acid soils so mixing Biochar with a native tree soil improver or home compost is recommended, Biochar application rates should be conservative at first, as our product has a high nutrient content and pH. Native Australian plants are accustomed to acid soils with low nutrient levels. Starting with one generous handful of biochar per square metre in spring and autumn will give your plants a great start.
Lawns – Add two generous handfuls per square metre to uncut lawn, water in and leave overnight. Mow without a catcher and spread clippings evenly across the lawn and water in.
Floral Gardens – When adding compost or mulch to your floral beds add two generous handfuls per square metre, mulch and water in. Note: check plants pH requirements as Biochar will increase pH; plants like Azalea’s or Rhododendron’s will not benefit from Biochar without composting or soaking.
Alkaline Soils – Compost, soak with lemon juice or add to compost tea for a few weeks before use. Check Biochar pH levels before adding product to soil.
Potting Mix – Thoroughly mix 10-15% of Biochar into a quality organic potting mix.
1 Hand Full of BlackEarth Organic Biochar = 50g approx.
Tests have shown the composting process will not break down Biochar’s structure, it will remain as a porous carbon structure creating a habitat for micro organisms and nutrients. Scientific testing is ongoing but it has been suggested Biochar will remain intact in soils for thousands of years creating great soils for your life time and safely sequestering carbon long into the future.
Disclaimer: Since BlackEarth Products Organic Biochar may be applied under conditions beyond our control, no responsibility can be accepted by us for any loss or damage caused by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this product. This product contains pyrolyzed manure and it is NOT safe for human or animal consumption or as a filtering agent. When handling the product, it is advisable to wear gloves.
