BIOCHAR

Biochar is a carbon-rich substance derived from organic biomass through burning in an oxygen deprived environment through the process of pyrolysis. Biochar is fast becoming a preferred method for chemical-free agricultural produce in a growing health awareness market. From soil remediation, improving water quality, generating a healthy and sustainable farming environment, and as a supplement for chemical fertilisers and animal feed, the biochar market segment has seen growth for new production levels.

As an animal feed supplement, Biochar eliminates biotoxins and enhances production parameters in livestock farming. Biochar adsorps endotoxins, mycotoxins and phytotoxins in ruminants’ digestive systems, improves nutrient uptake, growth, blood profiles, strengthens immunity, reduces pathogens, lowers methane production, enhances productivity, and has a prophylactic and therapeutic effect against diarrhoeal symptoms caused by infection or contaminated animal feed.  Biochar generally improves farm sustainability and animal welfare through a cascading effect when applied in combination with acceptable farming practices.

The thermal conversion of biomass into Biochar at temperatures of around 500˚C benefits the environment by managing waste while enriching the soil, reduces the harmful effects of pollution by chemical fertilisers, sequestrates harmful CO₂ and other greenhouse gasses, and prevents them from being released into the atmosphere. Its long-term stability in soil lasts for millennia and has a remediating effect by retaining water and nutrients in millions of tiny pores which enlarges its surface area.  

Biochar, applied in combination with organic and inorganic fertilisers, stimulates microbial growth in unaltered soils to increase nutrient availability and related ecological functions There is no better alternative for water retention in sandy soils, while Biochar’s liming effect in acidic soils improves fertility and structure through microbial diversity. Aeration and water retention can be enhanced by adding Biochar to clay and lumpy soils, and it is ideal for improving soil quality in cultivating areas prone to drought. The higher organic carbon content Biochar provides enhances crop harvest, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil pH.

Used in combination with Wood Vinegar, Biochar enhances animal health when added to a feed, increases yield, vitality, and quality in crops. It boosts plant and fruit growth, improves seed germination, stops pests and weeds, prevents roots from rotting, and support photosynthesis. Biochar, with its high surface area of millions of microscopic pores provide an ideal habitat for specialised bacteria such as fungi. Biochar has the greatest influence on plant growth when applied with other fertilisers.