Biochar
Biochar is not a nutrient, but – thanks to its large surface area – provides an ideal habitat for beneficial (aerobic) microorganisms! Added nutrients are initially stored and therefore cannot be lost. This can significantly increase the efficiency of fertilisation.
PLEASE NOTE: Applying biochar directly to the soil can have adverse effects, as the biochar must first “charge” itself with nutrients and microorganisms. Only after this activation can it become active and exert its beneficial effects. We therefore recommend using our biochar only in combination with an organic fertiliser!
When biochar is used correctly, the humus content and soil fertility increase rapidly. This is reflected in improved soil structure (the soil becomes looser), increased water absorption and enhanced water-holding capacity. Plants become more resistant to diseases and pests. Particularly in years with unfavourable weather conditions, plant growth remains healthy and yields remain stable.
Compost additive:
Adding 10 – 20 % by volume of biochar significantly reduces nutrient losses during composting – by up to 50 %. The odour produced during composting is significantly reduced or completely neutralised immediately after application. Material composted with biochar always has a very strong smell of forest soil. The finished compost has growth-promoting effects on light-feeding crops – such as carrots, onions, herbs, beans or peas – as early as the first year of use. Soil treated with this type of compost improves year on year (= the “Terra Preta effect”). From the second year onwards, positive effects on yield can also be expected for heavy feeders.
Bokashi production:
Based on our own experiments, the addition of biochar can reduce nitrogen losses during fermentation to “zero’”. The lactic acid bacteria accumulate in the biochar and can therefore continue to be effective for a longer period after the bokashi has been applied. A concentration of 10 % by volume of biochar is generally recommended here as well.
Manure processing:
The effect of odor and nutrient binding can be put to excellent use in livestock farming. This is not only about N binding, but above all about improving the barn climate. The use of biochar also promotes the decomposition of manure and humus formation in the field. A combination with rock flour would be ideal, as this also provides the trace elements and minerals that are essential for soil fertility and humus formation. The microbiological composition is demonstrably positively influenced by the combination of biochar and rock flour.
This product contains stably bound, climate-effective carbon. This carbon has already been certified and compensated for in the form of CO2 certificates. Therefore, it is not possible to sell further certificates of this kind for this product.
Biochar helps better retain the nutrients present on the farm or in the garden, thereby reducing nutrient loss. The EBC certification of our products confirms not only that they are absolutely clean and of high quality, but also that they are produced sustainably.
With regular use, soil quality is permanently improved, which results in better growth, higher yields, and healthier plants.
Soil amendment, individually approved pursuant to § 9 DMG 2021
Processed wood from composting, grain husks, wood chips
Biochar is produced from a special biomass blend (residual biomass) in an oxygen-free environment at approximately 700 °C. Thanks to the new carbonization process using two furnaces from NGE, the highest quality standards are consistently guaranteed!
| Parameter | Wert |
|---|---|
Quality grade |
EBC Agro Bio |
Carbon, organic |
63,80 Ma.-% |
H/Corg ratio (molar) |
0,27 |
pH value |
9,5 |
Dry weight |
244 kg/m3 |
Sieving |
< 10 mm mm |
Bulk density |
332 kg/m³ |
Product video
Biochar vs. other types of charcoal?
In this video, we explain the differences between the various types of charcoal and, above all, what you need to look out for when buying and using it.
Customer reviews
On the one hand, our hemp soil Hanferde has been specially formulated in terms of nutrient content and structure for growing cannabis; on the other hand, the addition of biochar gives it the so-called Terra Preta effect. It is, if you like, a Terra Preta for the pot. See also: What effect does biochar have in Sonnenerde products? As our organic potting soil Bio Blumenerde and organic tomato and vegetable soil Bio Tomaten- und Gemüseerde are very nutrient-rich, they will likely suffice for one growing cycle. However, due to the absence of biochar and other structural materials, they are less suitable for long-term use.
Biochar creates the Terra Preta effect. It provides a habitat for microorganisms and acts as a reservoir for water and nutrients. It absorbs nutrients and water like a sponge and releases them as needed, much like an open fridge from which the plants can take what they need. Thanks to the buffering effect of the biochar, over-fertilisation when replenishing the soil is virtually impossible. Our biochar is included in the following Sonnenerde products: our Terra Preta Schwarzerde, our Terra Preta soil concentrate Schwarzerde Konzentrat, our hemp soil Hanferde, our soil activator Bodenaktivator, our compost activator Kompostaktivator, our urban tree fine substrate Stadtbaum Feinsubstrat, our urban tree concentrate Stadtbaum Konzentrat.
Our organic raised bed soil Bio Hochbeeterde consists of equal parts of our organic compost Bio Kompost and loamy sand (bagged products also contain expanded clay granules, vermiculite, wood fibre and horn shavings). It is extremely rich in humus and nutrients and reliably delivers high yields of healthy vegetables for several years. Unlike our Terra Preta Schwarzerde, which, when used as ‘Terra Preta’ in the appropriate layer thickness (20–30 cm) in combination with a layer of organic mulch, never needs to be re-fertilised (see also Why is your Terra Preta Schwarzerde permanently fertile?), when using our Bio Hochbeeterde, nutrients must be replenished over time, e.g. in the form of compost and/or horn shavings, as it lacks biochar to act as a nutrient store. We also recommend applying an organic mulch layer, e.g. made from our Organic Fibre Bio Faser, when using our Bio Hochbeeterde. This promotes microbial activity and prolongs the soil’s fertility.
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