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New Brunswick

Does anyone use biochar with there tomatoes?

3/10/2019 12:17:44 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

It may be too expensive if you aren't making your own. It is used primarily to increase the cation exchange content of your soil.

3/10/2019 12:51:40 PM

Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Biochar is a nice and long lasting addition to any soil upgrading program.
BBQ briquettes are a cheap source for charcoal.
Just put them in a big bucket of water and they will return to the dust and grit they´ve been made of.

Do not expect to get a Terra Preta effect this way (terra preta is only working in tropical conditions)

3/11/2019 2:36:14 AM

Morgantown, WV

I've done some research on bio char, and I've also made my own with a top loading updraft furnace. Here are my thoughts...

I don't feel it's worth the time and effort to make it yourself. After the burning, you still have to smash it up which is incredibly messy and takes a while. If you're going to use it, just spend the money ands get a batch from a more efficient operation than backyard burning.

Additionally, there are said benefits, but there are also drawbacks of using it that we don't fully understand yet. Much of the research has only been done over a few year's time, and with an extremely long half-life on carbon, once it is in your soil, it is there to stay.

I would suggest setting apart a small side plot that is amended with the biochar, and compare to normal soil over a couple seasons prior to doing a large order and blasting the whole patch with it.

From what I understand about it, there is an initial charging period where it may steal nutrients from your surrounding soil until it finds equilibrium. It's suggested to inoculate it prior to adding with a good compost tea, or by mixing into a good compost itself and then turning in.

3/11/2019 8:09:24 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Dustin is right in everything he says. I read about biochar awhile back and decided not to use it now but it is additive to your soil in the long run, Once you put it in any further breakdown is very slow. It remains in the soil for years.

3/11/2019 8:27:30 AM

New Brunswick

Thanks Dustin.

3/11/2019 11:43:52 AM

Partlow,Va

I worked it into the top two inches of the soil after my final till. It does not take much. I think I put one large margarine dish on each 150 sq ft bed. Then scratched it in with a heavy rake. There was a good presentation in Portland at the Big Show last year. Nutrient Storage. I have < 5 OM. If you are high in OM it may not be as valuable to your program.

3/11/2019 10:47:01 PM