Hello,

Concerning biochar and plants, please see this CSU publication https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/biochar-in-colorado-0-509/ on its current situation in Colorado and resources for further research and sourcing.

Additionally, there was a study done by Scientists in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment. This is an excerpt from an article Mississippi State University published on it they published on it:

‘Biochar works well as a potting mix for container plants, seeds, cuttings, or transplants. It can be used as a substitute for perlite, vermiculite, wood chips, and/or pine bark (among many other things), which are typically added to peat moss to improve its physical properties including water drainage and aeration.

The superheated process of making biochar kills pathogens, weed seeds, insects, and other organisms harmful to plants.

Scientists successfully grew chrysanthemums, tomatoes, lettuce, and basil in mixes of pine bark and biochar, a frequently used potting mix and biochar, and biochar alone.

The research found that biochar worked exceptionally well as a potting mix substitute. Scientists recently received a patent for biochar.’

Source: https://www.mafes.msstate.edu/discovers/article.php?id=81

Cornell University has another publication available to review. Please note however that here in Colorado, our soils are already highly alkaline in most places and we do not add regular wood ash to them for fear of creating additional problems rather than benefits.

Site: https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/warren-county-master-gardener-articles/-biochars-and-their-uses-in-agriculture

Particularly notable was this section:

‘Not all soils are well suited for biochar. Research at Michigan State University (MSU) is currently examining how well-drained sandy soils experience biochar benefits such as increased soil moisture retention, but moderately well-drained and/or clay soils may not always respond as positively. MSU advises before applying biochar to your fields or gardens; it is important to consider how the biochar was produced as well as the conditions of your soil. According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, all biochar is not created equal. Each material used to make it gives it differing properties. Biochar made from straw is different than those made from coconut husks, yard waste, or wooden pallets. Also, the temperature at which they are charred will create varying chemical and physical properties. In addition, biochar effectiveness is highly dependent on soil characteristics, such as texture, organic matter content, and mineral nutrient levels present.’

Thank you for your inquiry. 

-Amanda Weidner

Pueblo County CSU-Extension Horticulture Specialist