No, biochar is not the same as charcoal. Whilst they may look similar, there are some key differences between biochar and charcoal. Biochar is produced at much higher temperatures, making it more porous and stable and less likely to decompose than charcoal. Additionally, charcoal produced for barbecuing may contain toxins and impurities, whereas our biochar is specifically produced to be 100% natural, sustainable and clean.

Pure biochar is the direct product of pyrolysis, without anything added to it. For soil health, it needs to be enriched with nutrients first, or alternatively can be used for bedding in chicken coops to absorb ammonia, moisture and reduce smell.

Enriched biochar comes pre-enriched with beneficial natural products, making it a ready to use soil improver straight from the box.

No, biochar is not considered a fertiliser as it does not directly supply nutrients to plants. Biochar is a soil conditioner, improving soil health to provide a better growing environment for plants, with in turn, will improve plant health.

Our enriched biochar contains the following:

• Wormcasts - full of bacterial species, which increase phosphate availability. Stimulate root growth and rich in humic acid.
• Trichoderma - antagonistic fungi for root protection, seeks out and feeds on fungal pathogens.
• Mycorrhizal fungi - secondary root system for healthier plants. Gives plants access to more nutrients in the soil.
• Seaweed - trace minerals for leaf and stem growth. Micronutrients which are essential to healthy root systems.

Biochar will not provide a quick fix, as it works on the basis of long term soil improvements to enhance the growing environment for plants. If you’re looking for long-term, sustainable solutions, biochar is for you!

Generally it is not recommended to put pure biochar straight into soil without enriching it first. This is because the natural properties of biochar means that it acts like a sponge, and would initially absorb moisture and nutrients for the soil which would temporarily starve plants.

Yes. Whilst our biochar is desiged to be used under bedding to absorb moisture and unpleasant odours, chickens can safely peck at and digest pure biochar.

We recommend sprinking a thin layer of biochar onto the base of your chicken coop before applying your choice of bedding on top (wood shavings, straw etc). The biochar will work to absorb moisture, foul odours and ammonia, and create a more pleasant environment for your chickens, as well as for you when you stick your head in looking for eggs!

When it comes to cleaning out your coop (which will become less frequent thanks to biochar!), simply remove the biochar with the rest of the bedding and pop it on the compost heap. Over time, the biochar will continue to absorb nutrients from the compost heap, and when applied to your garden, the biochar will slowly release the nutrients into your soil, promoting plant growth, increasing water retention, and improving soil structure.

You can use enriched biochar in your garden by mixing it directly into your soil or compost at a rate of 5% to 10% by volume (1 part biochar:9 parts soil). Work it in to the top 6 inches of soil, where most root growth will be occuring.

Some customers prefer to purchase our pure biochar and enrich it themselves. This is a great way of making the most of your garden waste or manure and creating a tailored blend to suit your garden!

Remeber, pure biochar acts like an empty sponge; if you apply it directly, it will absorb existing nutrients and water from your soil, temporarily starving your plants.

Follow our instructions below to find out how to enrich pure biochar yourself at home:

1. Choose Your Nutrient Source

Mix your pure biochar with an organic, nutrient-rich material. Good options include:

• Compost or manure: The most common and effective choice (1:4 ratio of biochar to compost).

• Liquid fertilizers: Worm casting tea, fish emulsion, or seaweed extract.

• Animal bedding: Mix it into chicken coops to absorb waste.

2. The Enrichment Process

• Blend: Combine 1 part pure biochar with 4 parts compost or manure.

• Moisten: Add water or liquid fertilizer until the mixture has the dampness of a wrung-out sponge.

• Wait: Let the mixture sit for 2 to 4 weeks. This allows beneficial microbes and nutrients to colonize the porous structure of the biochar. Keep it covered and moist.

3. How to Apply It

Once enriched, introduce it to your garden:

• Blend the enriched biochar into your soil, aim for approximately 5%-10% biochar, and combine this with the top 6 inches of soil.