Biochar

Standard Application Information

How to Charge (Inoculating) Biochar

Before applying, soak biochar in nutrients.

Simple Charging Options:

Choose one of the following:

• Compost tea
• Liquid fertiliser
• Manure slurry
• Worm tea (vermicompost tea)
• Urine diluted 1:10 with water

Charging Method:

1. Place biochar in a container
2. Add enough liquid to fully cover the biochar
3. Soak for 24–72 hours
4. Stir once or twice if possible
5. Drain excess liquid (optional)

Biochar is now ready to use.

Biochar for Small Gardens & Home Gardens

Application Rate:

• 1–2 kg biochar per 10 m² of garden area
• Or 1 cup (250 ml) per planting hole

How to Apply:

For Garden Beds:

1. Spread charged biochar evenly over the soil
2. Lightly dig or rake into the top 10–15 cm of soil
3. Water well

For Trees & Shrubs:

1. Mix biochar with compost or soil (1:4 ratio)
2. Apply around the root zone (not against the trunk)
3. Water thoroughly

For Pots & Containers:

• Mix 5–10% biochar by volume into potting mix
  • Example: 1 litre biochar per 10 litres soil

Frequency:

• Apply once, then top up every 2–3 years if needed

Biochar for Farms & Agriculture

General Application Rates:

• 500 kg – 2,000 kg per hectare
• Start low and increase over time

Crop & Soil Guidelines:

• Sandy soils: Higher rates are beneficial
• Clay soils: Lower rates, well mixed
• Poor soils: Best long-term improvement

How to Apply:

Broadcast Application:

1. Spread charged biochar evenly using a spreader or by hand
2. Incorporate into soil (disc, harrow, or cultivator) to 10–20 cm depth

Row Crops / Planting Lines:

• Apply biochar directly in planting rows
• Mix with compost or fertiliser before placement

Orchards & Vineyards:

• Apply in bands along tree or vine rows
• Incorporate lightly or water in

Frequency:

• One main application can last 5–10 years
• Small maintenance applications can be added if required

Biochar Powder & Liquid Applications

Biochar powder is very fine and ideal for liquid applications and specialised uses.

Uses of Biochar Powder:

• Soil drenches
• Foliar sprays (microbial carrier)
• Compost enhancement
• Animal bedding & manure treatment
• Odour control

Biochar Powder – Liquid Application (Soil Drench)

Mixing Rate:

• 1–2 kg biochar powder per 1,000 litres of water
• Add fertiliser or compost tea if available

Mixing Instructions:

1. Pre-mix biochar powder with a small amount of water into a slurry
2. Add slurry to spray tank or mixing tank
3. Agitate continuously to prevent settling
4. Apply immediately

Application Method:

• Apply to soil using:
  • Boom sprayers
  • Drip irrigation systems (with good filtration)
  • Watering cans for small areas

Biochar Powder – Compost & Microbial Use

Compost Enhancement:

• Add 5–10% biochar by volume to compost piles
• Improves nutrient retention and reduces odour

Microbial Inoculation:

• Mix biochar powder with compost tea
• Let sit for 12–24 hours
• Apply to soil as a microbial booster

Safety & Handling:

• Wear a dust mask when handling dry biochar powder
• Avoid inhaling fine particles
• Wet biochar before spreading if dusty

Storage:

• Store biochar in a dry place
• Keep covered to avoid moisture and wind loss

Summary:

• Always charge biochar before use
• Apply at correct rates
• Mix into soil or apply with liquids
• Biochar is a long-term soil improvement tool

For best results, combine biochar with organic matter and good soil management practices.

This SOP is intended as a general guideline. Application rates may be adjusted based on soil type, crop, and local conditions.