Discover the power of biochar
Discover a simple, sustainable way to support your garden and chickens. Our 100% natural, UK-produced biochar can make a real difference.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich substance, crafted by heating organic waste (such as agricultural residues and forestry by-products) without oxygen. This process, known as pyrolysis, creates a highly porous material that is 100% natural and produced right here in the UK. Unlike ordinary charcoal, biochar is designed to be a long-lasting soil amendment, offering unique benefits for both environmental sustainability and practical applications.
Biochar is not a new concept, the use of biochar is thought to date back 7,000 years to ancient indigenous agricultural practices in places like the Amazon.
Benefits of using biochar in your garden
- Improve Water Retention in the Soil: Due to its porous, sponge-like structure, biochar can significantly increase the water retention in soil. This enhances plant resilience during drought and improves water-use efficiency.
- Increased Nutrient Retention and Efficiency: Biochar has a high surface area and acts as a reservoir for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. It prevents these nutrients from leaching into groundwater, making them more available for plants and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
- Microbial Habitat Support: The porous structure of biochar provides an ideal habitat for beneficial soil microbes (bacteria and fungi), which enhances soil biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
- Carbon Sequestration (Long-term Storage): Biochar is highly resistant to decomposition, allowing it to remain in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. This locks away carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2.
Benefits of using biochar in your chicken coop
Tired of smelly coops and constant clean outs? Biochar can help!
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Reduced Odours and Ammonia: The porous structure means that it absorbs unpleasant odours & ammonia resulting in improved air quality and more pleasant smelling coops!
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Absorbs Moisture: Biochar absorbs moisture resulting in drier litter, reduced risk of ailments such as footpath dermatitis and bumble foot & less frequent clean outs!
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Reduced Pathogens and Pests: Biochar reduces damp conditions in which bacteria & pests, such as red mite thrive.
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Absorbs Nutrients: Absorbs & retains nutrients. Once composted, can be added to the garden to improve soil structure, increase water retention & provide plants with nutrients.
How does biochar support the environment?
Biochar plays a crucial role in environmental protection by locking away carbon for centuries, improving soil health, and reducing agricultural pollution. Through pyrolysis, loose plant carbon is converted into a stable solid that remains trapped for hundreds or even thousands of years, preventing its release as carbon dioxide. This creates a carbon sink, making its application a carbon-negative process.
In soil, biochar's tiny pores retain moisture, helping plants endure dry spells and lessening the need for watering. It also stores vital nutrients, preventing them from washing away and supporting healthy plant growth with less reliance on chemical fertilisers. Furthermore, its porous structure provides a perfect habitat for beneficial bacteria and fungi, fostering a thriving microbial ecosystem!