Is Biochar Environmentally Friendly? As an organic soil amendment, biochar offers a wide range of environmental benefits. It helps reduce greenhouse gases while also boosting the growth of plant life for a healthier lawn and garden. Wakefield BioChar is passionate about the products we create because we’re passionate about environmental preservation. We also take the time to communicate the many benefits this soil amendment offers landscapes, which is crucial for sustaining the health of plants. This guide expands on the science behind biochar and highlights the many ways that it can benefit the environment. What Is Biochar? Biochar is the product of grass, wood, animal biomass, and many other agricultural materials. It’s created through the process of pyrolysis, which entails heating organic materials in a low to no-oxygen environment at over 1000°F. This temperature ensures the materials are sufficiently heated, but the lack of oxygen prevents them from actually combusting. The result is a stable form of carbon that has numerous agricultural applications. What Environmental Benefits Does It Offer? Environmental preservation is a key concern these days as the effects of climate change become more evident. As greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, changes in weather patterns become increasingly common across the globe. The environmental effects of these changes are devastating, from depriving animals of their natural habitat to causing catastrophic storms that decimate entire cities. Biochar is an effective method of combatting greenhouse gas emissions, but that’s not its only benefit. Here’s how this innovative product can help the environment: Carbon Sequestering – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causes numerous poor effects. Fortunately, biochar is effective at locking carbon within the soil and keeping it stable. This reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and helps limit the disastrous effects of climate change. Improved Water Retention in Soil – Plant roots need water to thrive, and biochar ensures plants receive sufficient hydration. It does so by locking moisture into the soil, which allows roots to access it readily. Moisture-rich soil creates a prime environment for healthy growth and also ensures a thriving landscape. Enhanced Plant Growth – In addition to retaining water in the soil, biochar also helps lock in essential nutrients. The result is thriving plants, which is also crucial for reducing the release of greenhouse gases. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into food to stop it from being released into the air. How Is Biochar Used? If you’re wondering how to use biochar for the best possible results, the key is to combine the substance with another form of organic matter. For instance, our biochar can be combined with compost or mulch to greatly enhance the quality of the soil without releasing any toxic components, which can be a risk when using traditional fertilizers. Water must also be included in the mix to ensure proper absorption. Once the combination of biochar and organic materials has been applied to the soil, you must consistently apply water to the mix to ensure a thriving environment. Taking the right approach ensures the plants and trees on your property receive the proper hydration and nutrients to thrive in your landscape. We’re always available to answer questions and provide guidance to customers. Feel free to contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our products and their benefits.