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Wicked Organics Bio Char

Product Overview

Description

Wicked Organics Bio Char is a transformative soil amendment that embodies the sustainable farming ethos of Old Cobblers Farm. Produced through high-temperature pyrolysis of organic biomass, this carbon-rich product is designed to enhance soil structure and fertility without adding synthetic nutrients, as indicated by its 0-0-0 NPK rating. This makes it an ideal choice for organic gardeners and farmers dedicated to maintaining a natural balance in their soil ecosystems.

Biochar works by improving the physical and chemical properties of your soil. Its porous structure increases water retention, ensuring that plants have access to moisture even during dry spells. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for sandy soils that struggle to retain water. Additionally, biochar enhances nutrient holding capacity, preventing leaching and making nutrients more available to plants over time. This means healthier crops and more bountiful harvests.

Moreover, biochar provides a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and suppressing plant diseases. By cultivating a vibrant microbial community, biochar supports the long-term health and productivity of your soil.

Wicked Organics Bio Char is versatile enough for use across all types of crops, gardens, orchards, pastures, and even container plants. Whether you're a home gardener or a commercial farmer, this OMRI-listed product aligns with organic farming standards and supports your commitment to eco-friendly practices. Embrace the legacy of sustainable farming with Wicked Organics Bio Char and experience the difference in your soil's vitality and resilience.

Highlights

Unlock the full potential of your soil with Wicked Organics Bio Char. This premium, carbon-rich soil amendment is crafted from pyrolyzed organic biomass, offering unrivaled water retention and nutrient holding capacity. Perfect for all crops, gardens, orchards, pastures, and container plants, it fosters a thriving habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms. Enhance your soil's health and sustainability with this OMRI-listed, eco-friendly solution from Old Cobblers Farm, a trusted name in organic farming for over 78 years.

The Science Behind It

How It Works

Wicked Organics Bio Char is a revolutionary product that harnesses the power of biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment produced through the process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves heating organic biomass at high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment, which transforms the material into a stable form of carbon. This process not only sequesters carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also creates a porous structure that is highly beneficial for soil health.

The science behind biochar's effectiveness lies in its unique physical and chemical properties. The porous nature of biochar provides an extensive surface area that can hold moisture and nutrients, making them readily available to plants. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in sandy soils, which typically have poor nutrient and water retention capacities. By incorporating biochar into such soils, you can significantly enhance their ability to support plant growth.

Moreover, biochar's high cation exchange capacity (CEC) allows it to retain essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, preventing them from leaching away. This retention capability ensures that plants have a steady supply of nutrients over time, leading to healthier and more robust growth.

In addition to its physical benefits, biochar also plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving soil ecosystem. Its structure provides an ideal habitat for beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which are integral to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. By supporting these microorganisms, biochar enhances soil fertility and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. In summary, Wicked Organics Bio Char leverages the scientific principles of pyrolysis and biochar's unique properties to transform your soil into a more fertile, resilient, and eco-friendly environment for plant growth.

Soil Biology

Biochar, as found in Wicked Organics Bio Char, is a powerful ally in improving soil biology. Its porous structure creates an ideal environment for beneficial soil microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and mycorrhizae. These microorganisms play a critical role in breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and enhancing soil structure.

The habitat provided by biochar supports a diverse microbial community, which is essential for maintaining soil health. These microorganisms work symbiotically with plant roots, helping to improve nutrient uptake and protect against soil-borne pathogens. For instance, mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach and increasing the plant's access to nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.

Furthermore, biochar's ability to retain moisture creates a more stable environment for soil organisms, even during dry conditions. This moisture retention is particularly beneficial for maintaining microbial activity, which can otherwise slow down in dry soils. By supporting a robust microbial ecosystem, Wicked Organics Bio Char contributes to a healthier, more resilient soil environment, ultimately leading to stronger plant growth and productivity.

Nutrients Available

Wicked Organics Bio Char carries an NPK rating of 0-0-0, which might initially seem concerning to those familiar with traditional fertilizers. However, the value of biochar lies not in directly supplying nutrients, but in enhancing the soil's ability to retain and make existing nutrients available to plants.

The zero values in the NPK rating indicate that biochar itself doesn't provide nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Instead, its high cation exchange capacity (CEC) allows it to act as a sponge, capturing and holding onto nutrients present in the soil or those added through other fertilizers. This retention prevents nutrient leaching, ensuring that plants have access to essential nutrients over a longer period.

By improving nutrient availability, Wicked Organics Bio Char reduces the need for frequent fertilization, making it a sustainable choice for gardeners and farmers. It supports a balanced nutrient environment, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing the environmental impact of nutrient runoff. In essence, while biochar doesn't contribute nutrients directly, it significantly amplifies the effectiveness of existing soil nutrients, leading to more efficient and sustainable plant nutrition.

How to Apply

Rate: 1-2 lbs per square foot | Frequency: Once per season | Best Time: Spring or Fall

1

Prepare the Soil

Begin by clearing the garden bed of any debris, weeds, or old plant material. Loosen the top 6-8 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller. This will ensure the biochar is well integrated into the soil, improving its structure and aeration.

Pro Tip:

Test your soil pH before application to tailor your amendment strategy.

Avoid:

Avoid applying biochar to compacted soil without loosening it first, as this can inhibit its effectiveness.

2

Apply Bio Char

Spread Wicked Organics Bio Char evenly across the garden bed. Aim for an application rate of about 1-2 pounds per square foot. This ensures that the biochar is adequately distributed to improve water retention and nutrient holding capacity.

Pro Tip:

Use a garden rake to spread the biochar evenly.

Avoid:

Do not apply biochar on a windy day to prevent loss and uneven distribution.

3

Incorporate into Soil

Work the biochar into the top 6 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller. This helps integrate the biochar with the soil, providing a habitat for beneficial microorganisms.

Pro Tip:

Water the area lightly after incorporation to help settle the biochar into the soil.

Avoid:

Avoid leaving biochar on the surface, as it needs to be mixed with soil to be effective.

4

Water Thoroughly

Water the garden bed thoroughly to activate the biochar and begin the process of enhancing soil health. Proper watering will help biochar start improving water retention and nutrient availability.

Pro Tip:

Use a soaker hose for even watering.

Avoid:

Do not overwater, as this can lead to nutrient leaching.

Rate: 1 lb per square foot | Frequency: Once per season | Best Time: Spring or Fall

1

Clear and Loosen Soil

Remove any existing plants or debris from the raised bed. Loosen the soil using a hand fork or small tiller to a depth of 6-8 inches to prepare for biochar application.

Pro Tip:

Use a small hand rake to spread the biochar evenly.

Avoid:

Avoid leaving large clumps of soil, which can hinder biochar integration.

2

Distribute Bio Char

Apply Wicked Organics Bio Char evenly over the surface of the raised bed. Use approximately 1 pound per square foot to ensure sufficient coverage.

Pro Tip:

Use a small hand rake to spread the biochar evenly.

Avoid:

Do not apply too much biochar, as excessive amounts can alter soil pH.

3

Mix into Soil

Incorporate the biochar into the top 6 inches of soil using a hand fork. This helps create a balanced environment for beneficial microorganisms to thrive.

Pro Tip:

Combine with organic matter like compost for optimal results.

Avoid:

Avoid leaving biochar on the surface without mixing, as it needs to be integrated with the soil.

4

Water the Bed

Water the raised bed thoroughly to help settle the biochar into the soil. This will also kickstart its role in improving water retention and nutrient availability.

Pro Tip:

Use a watering can with a rose attachment for gentle watering.

Avoid:

Avoid overwatering, which can lead to soil erosion.

Rate: 1 cup per plant | Frequency: At planting | Best Time: During planting season

1

Prepare Planting Hole

Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the plant’s root ball. This will provide ample space for the biochar and plant roots to establish.

Pro Tip:

Add some compost to the hole to further enrich the planting area.

Avoid:

Avoid digging the hole too deep, which can cause planting too low.

2

Add Bio Char

Mix approximately 1 cup of Wicked Organics Bio Char with the backfill soil. This will help improve soil structure and nutrient retention around the plant roots.

Pro Tip:

Mix in a small amount of organic fertilizer for added nutrients.

Avoid:

Do not place biochar directly at the bottom of the hole without mixing with soil.

3

Plant and Backfill

Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the biochar-soil mixture. Ensure the plant is at the same depth as it was in its container.

Pro Tip:

Gently press the soil around the plant base to remove air pockets.

Avoid:

Avoid compacting the soil too much, which can hinder root growth.

4

Water the Plant

Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and activate the biochar. This will also help the plant establish quickly.

Pro Tip:

Use a slow, deep watering method to ensure thorough saturation.

Avoid:

Do not water too quickly, which can cause runoff and soil erosion.

Wicked Organics Bio Char

Product Overview

Description

Highlights

The Science Behind It

How It Works

Soil Biology

Nutrients Available

How to Apply

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

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2

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Key Benefits

Sequesters carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Promotes a thriving ecosystem for beneficial soil microorganisms

Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

Enhances soil fertility and structure