Biochar

Biochar is a high carbon soil amendment derived from wood. Biochar acts like a sponge in soils, with a very high surface area. This gives it the ability to retain water and nutrients to reduce watering and loss of inputs. It can also promote the growth of beneficial microbes to support a healthy soil ecosystem. Biochar is also a long term form of carbon sequestration and can remain stable in soils for hundreds to thousands of years. Uncharged biochar may absorb some nutrients from the soil if applied. You can create a powerful, custom soil amendment by "charging" the biochar by mixing it with compost, soil, fertilizers, or other amendments and fertilizers. Let the mixture sit for a week. The nutrients and beneficial microbes from the soil amendments will transfer into the biochar, charging it and making it ready for soil application.