Biochar by Sonnenerde – Expert knowledge for your soil

Biochar is not a nutrient itself, but due to its large surface area, it provides an optimal habitat for beneficial (aerobic) microorganisms. Nutrients added to it are initially stored, preventing their loss. This can significantly increase fertilizer efficiency.

Warning! Direct application of biochar to the soil can cause negative effects because the charcoal first needs to be “charged” with nutrients and microbiology. Only once the biochar is saturated can it unfold its positive effects. Therefore, we recommend not applying it directly but in combination with an organic fertilizer.

With proper use of biochar, the humus content and soil fertility increase rapidly. This is reflected in improved soil structure (the soil becomes looser), enhanced water absorption capacity, and better water retention. Plants become more resistant to diseases and pests. Especially in years with unfavorable weather, plant growth remains healthy and yields stay stable.

Biochar as a Compost Additive

As demonstrated in our own experimental series, adding 10-20% biochar can clearly reduce nutrient losses during composting by up to 50%. The odor during composting is noticeably reduced or completely neutralized immediately after application (starting at just 5% addition). Compost enriched with biochar always has a strong forest soil aroma. The finished compost shows clearly growth-promoting effects in the first year of use, especially for light feeders like carrots, onions, herbs, beans, or peas. Soil treated with such compost improves year after year (= “Terra Preta effect”), and from the second year onward, positive effects on yield can also be expected for heavy feeders.

Biochar for Bokashi Production

According to our own experiments, adding biochar can reduce nitrogen losses during fermentation to “zero.” The lactic acid bacteria accumulate in the biochar and can therefore continue to act for a longer period after the Bokashi application. Typically, an amount of 10 vol% biochar is recommended here as well.

Biochar for Manure Treatment

The effect of odor and nutrient binding can be excellently utilized in livestock farming. It’s not only about nitrogen fixation but especially about improving the stable climate. Using biochar also promotes the decomposition of manure; by reducing losses, it supports humus formation in the field. An ideal combination is with rock dust, as it supplies essential trace elements and minerals needed for soil fertility development and humus buildup. The microbiological composition is demonstrably positively influenced by the combination of biochar and rock dust.

Quality of the Biochar

Our biochar is regularly tested according to the EBC (European Biochar Certificate) standards and is approved for use in organic farming as per the European positive list of allowed soil amendments.

The most important parameter is contaminant-free quality, especially concerning PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), which can form during production and are highly carcinogenic. Our process (Pyreg) prevents the formation of these PAHs because they exist in the gas phase during production and are immediately extracted from the biochar and completely combusted without residue in the FLOX burner.