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<DIV>All interested in Biochar.</DIV>
<DIV> High pH in biochar is like high pH in some
quartz sand, only with more holding capacity for ions. It is not like sand made
from limestone. The char may need to be soaked in a bath of neutralizing wash.
My approach to biochar would be to compost it with everything else. The
microorganisms in the compost pile should utilize the salts in the fresh
char and produce acidic compounds, just as they turn ammonia to nitrates.
Those compounds then will be stored in with the char for release by plant roots.
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<DIV> I know that the orchid industry has been using very
high rates of charcoal as growing media for decades. I believe that some even
use 100% charcoal. They may be using a chemical or organic fertilizer to balance
the fertility of the soil moisture. I think one reason they use charcoal is to
reduce fungus attack on the plant roots. </DIV>
<DIV> I find it interesting that growers are having
success with biochar soaked in urine or urea. The natural breakdown of urea
converts it into ammonia which is highly alkaline. The soil microbes however,
convert it into nitrates which have an acidic or neutral reaction in the soil.
Otherwise the farming industry would not use such extensive amounts of urea
derived from natural gas. </DIV>
<DIV> The carbon structure of biochar is essentially
inert. It has the holding capacity for large amounts of whatever you put there.
It will naturally be charged with whatever was available in the pyrolisis
process. Charcoal made from low ash biomass sources will be naturally purer and
more neutral. </DIV>
<DIV> Think about how activated charcoal filters water.
It attracts the impurities, leaving clean water behind. When the charcoal is
fully saturated with impurities, it is washed or thrown out. At this point it
becomes a battery for compounds which have been absorbed. </DIV>
<DIV> The use of biochar for growing without sufficient "
charging" with nutrients is like trying to start a car with a discharged
battery. Composting lets nature seek it's balance. Maybe this perspective will
help those who use Biochar fully see it's benefits. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> Dan Dimiduk </DIV>
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