Biochar use
in potting media
Biochar is a beneficial amendment to potting media, the soilless blends created for growing plants in containers (also known as substrates).
Traditional potting media is designed to support aeration, water retention, healthy root development, and drainage for container plants, compared to in-ground garden soil. It typically combines organic materials with inorganic elements (such as peat moss with vermiculite, etc.).
Many of these common materials are environmentally harmful and are imported to the United States. Peat is mined by draining wetlands in Canada. Perlite is mined, primarily in Greece, and then heated to a high temperature before being shipped to the United States.
Adding biochar into potting media takes advantage of the material’s porous structure to retain moisture and nutrients and offers a pathway for reducing reliance on imported materials.
