How Does Biochar Enhance Soil and Protect Water Quality?
Increased Nutrient and Water Retention – Biochar outshines all other organic soil material in its ability to attract and retain water and nutrients, as well as hold phosphorous and agrochemicals.2 So plants are healthier and fertilizers leach less into surface- or groundwater. Persistence – Biochar is relatively inert; therefore, far more persistent in soil than any other organic soil additive.3 Because biochar persists 100’s to 1000’s of years, all its benefits of nutrient and water retention and overall soil porosity last unlike common fertilizers and conditioners. Less Fertilizer Needed – When added to soil, biochar improves plant growth and crop yields while it reduces the total fertilizer needs. Nitrous oxide (NO2) released from certain fertilizers is 310 times more potent a greenhouse gas than CO2. Biochar-conditioned soils have 50-80% reductions in NO2 emissions.
