Frequently asked questions

+ What are the similarities and differences between biochar and activated carbon?

SBC’s high carbon biochar and wood derived activated carbon are similar in many ways, including their cationic exchange capacity, porosity, neutral Ph, and large surface area. Biochar is less dense than activated carbon and has less surface area by volume, meaning more biochar may be required to achieve similar outcomes to the use of activated carbon.

+ How does biochar ‘bind’ heavy metals and other contaminants in soil?

In soils with heavy metal contamination, biochar can absorb and immobilize metal ions because of its high porosity, large surface area, and high surface charge density. This is referred to as its sorption potential. SBC biochar has particularly high sorption potential due to its high carbon content and the purity and characterics of the feedstock we use to manufacture it.

+ How do I know SBC’s biochar is free of contaminants?

SBC manufactures all of its biochar products from virgin, source certified material from the presine forests of northern Maine. SBC is not a fly-ash byproduct of an electrical power plant, and all SBC biochar is tested and certified by an independent testing lab for its characteristics and purity. If you require additional information on our biochar characteristics, please refer to the specification sheets for additional information on our proprietary biochars.

+ How does biochar improve soil performance?

Biochar promotes a healthy soil biome by reducing compaction, by conserving plant nutrients within its porous matrix and making them available when they are required. Biochar also binds up soil contaminants and retains moisture in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation.

+ What types of soils benefit the most from the application of biochar?

Biochar will improve water and nutrient retention in all soil types, but biochar has the most profound impact on poor and overworked soils. Not only will biochar reduce compaction, it will add carbon and retain nutrients to improve and retain a healthy soil biome.

+ Do I need to ‘inoculate’ my biochar with compost or other organic fertilizer?

Yes, biochar should be ‘inoculated’ or blended with compost or other organic fertilizer prior to application to soils. This allows the biochar to be colonized by beneficial bacteria which will produce bioavailable nutrients to plants.

+ How often do I need to apply biochar to maintain its benefits?

Unlike other soil amendments like peat moss which will break down in soil in 1-2 years, biochar remains stable and effective in the soil for hundreds of years.

+ Why should I use biochar instead of peat moss and other ‘soil bulking’ amendments?

Unlike other bulking and water retention soil amendments like peat moss or compost which will break down in soil in 1-2 years, biochar remains stable and effective in the soil for hundreds of years, so a single application is likely all you need to see dramatic results.

+ How does biochar reduce tree mortality when used in planting?

Biochar is currently in use by some of the largest arborists, tree services, and landscape companies in the country. Biochar significantly reduces tree mortality by retaining moisture and nutrients in the soil to maintain a viable and healthy soil biom when heat shock and drought events occur.

+ How much biochar is required for each tree or shrub I plant?

Biochar can either be mixed with soil or compost when trees are being planted or transplanted, or injected in a ‘nutrient slurry’ if plants are already in the ground. Biochar should constitute about 15% by volume of soil around the rootball of the tree. Because biochar does not degrade in soil, the single application will provide for a healthy soil biome for the like of the tree or ornamental plant.

+ Can I use biochar to improve my lawn and turf quality?

Biochar can be applied prior to planting sod or seeding a new lawn, or can be injected as a slurry into existing turf to reduce water and fertilizer requirements and increase viability in times of extreme heat and drought.

+ Does biochar need to be combined with compost or other organic fertilizer?

Yes, biochar should be ‘inoculated’ or blended with compost or other organic fertilizer prior to application to soils. This allows the biochar to be colonized by beneficial bacteria which will produce bioavailable nutrients to plants.

+ Do I need to adjust the pH of my solid if I use SBC biochar?

We generally recommend testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels before applying biochar. If soils already contain appropriate nutrient pH and pH levels, SBC biochar can be directly applied without rebalancing the pH. Biochar should always be inoculated to ensure it does not rob your soil of available plant nutrients.

+ How will biochar improve the performance of my compost or soil mix?

Biochar will improve compost and soil mixed in a number of ways, including improved adsorbancy (ability to hold onto water and nutrients), binding up background contaminants like heavy metals and insecticides, and reducing compaction (bulking).

+ Will biochar reduce odors in my compost mix?

In addition to reducing compaction and accelerating biological activity in compost, biochar reduces the production of anaerobic odors such as ammonia, volatile fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide and other aromatic compounds. It also prolongs the benefits of compost in the soil as it persists in the soil long after the compost breaks down.

+ Why should I use biochar instead of peat moss and other ‘soil bulking’ amendments?

Unlike other bulking and water retention soil amendments like peat moss or compost which will break down in soil in 1-2 years, biochar remains stable and effective in the soil for hundreds of years, so a single application is likely all you need to see dramatic results.

+ How is biochar beneficial for cannabis and potted ornamentals?

Biochar is widely used in soil grown cannabis for a number of reasons. First, biochar is an ‘insurance policy’ for high value crops, reducing the likelihood of a shock event causing dieoff from heat or drought. Biochar also retains (expensive) nutrients in the soil and makes them available by the plants when they are needed.