Biochar is carbon-rich material produced by heating suitable biomass under limited oxygen [REF]. Unlike ash, much of its carbon remains in a relatively stable form. Its porous structure can provide habitat for microorganisms and can influence water and nutrient retention depending upon the biochar, soil and application method.
For us, its greatest potential lies in combination with compost. Fresh biochar should not simply be regarded as fertiliser. We prefer to incorporate it into biologically and nutrient-rich materials such as compost or manure before soil application.
“Compost is the living community. Biochar is the village they live in.”
Biochar also creates an important opportunity in a fire-prone landscape. Woody material that might otherwise accumulate as fuel can be harvested appropriately and converted into a long-lived soil resource. This does not mean every branch should become biochar. It means biochar can become one useful destination within a wider biomass-management strategy.