In September 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, leaving a lasting impact on farms, forests, and rural communities. Torrential rains and high winds stripped fertile topsoil from fields, flooded creeks and valleys, and littered once-thriving forests with downed trees and broken biomass. For many landowners and farmers in... read more →
May
14
Oct
08
Biochar provides remarkable benefits to orchard trees when added to the soil at the time of planting. Some benefits of biochar include water retention, nitrogen and soil nutrients retention, improved microbial colonization, reduced soil compaction, and so much more. Complete Guide on Using Biochar to Boost Orchard Health and Yield... read more →
Jul
05
Using activated carbon for water filtration is fascinating, complex and an essential tool for clean and safe water. We'll explore the benefits, mechanisms, and practical applications of using activated carbon for water filtration. Uncover the secrets of how activated carbon works to remove impurities and contaminants, ensuring pure and refreshing... read more →
Jun
30
In this post we delve into the fascinating uses of activated carbon! Also known as activated charcoal, activate carbon is a versatile substance with several amazing properties and applications. You may already be familiar with its prominent role in water filtration and air purification, but did you know that activated... read more →
Jun
17
In the world of agriculture, the battle between sustainable and conventional practices is a topic of great importance. In this blog article, we dive into the intriguing realm of sustainable vs. conventional agriculture, with a particular focus on the role of biochar in building resilient food systems. Biochar, a remarkable... read more →
May
28
Healthy soil is the foundation of successful agriculture and sustainable ecosystems. However, soil compaction is a common challenge that hampers productivity and disrupts the natural balance of soil ecosystems. In recent years, the use of biochar has emerged as a promising solution to combat soil compaction while enhancing soil health.... read more →
May
25
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumer attitudes towards food production and sustainability. Many individuals are turning to home food production as a means of taking control over what they eat, reducing their environmental impact, and enjoying the numerous benefits of growing their own food. This... read more →
May
23
Welcome to the ultimate guide on planning a thriving home garden with raised beds and biochar-amended homemade soil. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to create a flourishing garden oasis right in your backyard. Discover the... read more →
May
21
A pyrolysis plant or pyrolysis reactor, also called a biochar production machine, is a specialized piece of equipment used in the process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that involves heating organic materials in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the breakdown of the materials into various byproducts.... read more →
May
20
Enhancing the health and productivity of orchards requires a comprehensive approach to soil management. One effective and sustainable solution gaining popularity is the application of biochar. In this article, we explore the remarkable benefits of incorporating biochar into orchards and provide a detailed guide on using methods such as radial... read more →
May
18
Indoor plants not only add beauty and freshness to our living spaces but also provide numerous benefits for our well-being. To ensure their health and vitality, incorporating biochar into their care routine can prove highly advantageous. Biochar, a form of charcoal produced through pyrolysis, offers a range of benefits, including... read more →
May
17
Introduction: When it comes to enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth, there are numerous options available, ranging from traditional soil amendments to innovative solutions. One such innovation gaining attention is biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter. In this article, we will conduct a... read more →
May
16
Activated carbon and inoculated biochar are two different materials with distinct characteristics and applications. The main difference between activated carbon and inoculated biochar lies in their production processes, applications, and intended uses. Activated carbon is primarily used for adsorbing and removing contaminants from gases or liquids, while inoculated biochar is... read more →
May
15
When incorporated into composting processes, biochar offers numerous benefits that can enhance the quality and productivity of our soils. In this article, we delve into the remarkable advantages of using biochar in compost and explore how this powerful combination can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. ... read more →
May
13
Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced by heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. It has become increasingly popular as a soil amendment due to its ability to improve soil fertility and water retention. In this article, we will explore the topic of biochar water retention and... read more →
May
12
Biochar is one of the most misunderstood products in the vegetable gardening world. Many gardeners think of it as a way to improve soil fertility, but that’s only part of its appeal. Benefits of biochar in your vegetable garden. You can also use biochar to increase your soil’s water-holding... read more →
Mar
30
New Trial Results from Asheville Craft Cannabis In this side-by-side comparison, the hemp variety is Asheville Craft Cannabis Syskiyou Gold. At the start of the trial, the 2 clones of this variety were put into 3½”x3½”x5” pots with CocoBop brand potting soil. 1 teaspoon of BioGranules was mixed into one... read more →
Aug
20
Hemp field trials with biochar and beneficial microbes were conducted at Ball Farms in Fletcher, North Carolina during the 2018 growing season. NC State University Hemp Transplant Trial Half the hemp clones in the field had CharGrow BioGranules™ included in the potting mix (at 2.5% by volume); the other half... read more →
Feb
21
Hemp growers are relying on CharGrow's soil amendments to restore the biology in their soil. Based on the soil food web approach, soil scientist and CharGrow co-founder Jon Nilsson has created soil amendment products that build the fertility of soils and put life back into the ground. Two products being... read more →
Feb
02
Biochar is rapidly replacing perlite as the medium-of-choice for green roofs, and biochar is an ideal soil-less component to green roof installations, particularly for its characteristics of high surface area, high activity, porosity and very light weight. Green Roof Benefits Range from Runoff Filtration to Providing Natural Habitats Green roofs are building roofs... read more →
Jan
29
All of us in the compost world are familiar with the carbon to nitrogen ratio when setting up a compost operation. There is also a different form of carbon called biochar that can enhance that process. The US Biochar Initiative, defines biochar as a…. “fine-grained charcoal made by pyrolysis, the... read more →
Jan
23
Carbonized wood or charcoal has an extraordinary combination of properties that make it the carbon of choice for many applications, from potting media to bioremediation. Wood-based carbon is highly reactive, highly conductive, and possesses a high surface area. Furthermore, carbonized wood or charcoal made from biomass – defined as organic... read more →
Jan
22
Biochar is a carbon-rich material that can significantly improve your soil’s health and productivity, especially if it is not already very fertile. For example, biochar benefits include decreasing soil acidity, retaining water and nutrients, removing unwanted contaminants, and providing a home for beneficial soil biology to thrive. CharGrow’s biochar is... read more →
Jan
15
Two of biochar’s most valued benefits for plant growth are nutrient and water retention. When worked into the soil, biochar can prevent nutrients from leaching out and water from draining out of your soil, making biochar an effective soil amendment. Biochar’s effectiveness at nutrient and water retention vary depending on... read more →
Jan
05
Biochar’s remarkable properties make it incredibly useful for many agricultural applications, including improving plant productivity and water quality. But because biochar is so broadly applicable, you may be wondering exactly how to choose the right biochar for your application. Here are some guidelines you can follow to choose the biochar... read more →
Dec
20
There’s no doubt biochar can benefit many different types of soil. Due to its high adsorption and nutrient holding capacity, biochar can prevent both water and nutrients from leaching while still allowing them to be readily available to plants. These properties, which can significantly improve your soil’s fertility, also make... read more →
Nov
07
Question 1: What is biochar? Biochar is a charcoal-like material most commonly made by heating plant matter, or biomass, in the absence of oxygen. Biochar offers a viable way of reducing fertilizer and pesticide usage, while building healthier soil with increased yields and lowered costs. An ancient technology, biochar has... read more →
Oct
30
Remediation projects using biochar, or charcoal made from things like trees and organic matter, continue to be explored. Due to the porous structure of carbons like biochar, they're effective at filtering and holding onto small particles. Read more about the structure of biochar and how it works. Premium wood-based biochar... read more →
Oct
13
Biochar, charcoal, and activated carbon are three forms of carbon that have a lot of overlap, with very similar composition and methods of production. Figuring out the differences between the three can be challenging – especially since the terminology used is different for different industries and seems to still be... read more →
Jul
01
Biomass Pyrolysis is the thermo-chemical decomposition of organic materials by heating in the absence of oxygen. Controlled pyrolysis has been approved by the UN as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for avoidance of methane production from biomass decay. Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Gasification and burning of fossil fuels... read more →
May
04
When early Europeans arrived in North America they were amazed by the extremely fertile grassland soils that were present in the new "wild" lands they visited. These soils, which we now call Mollisols, are some of the most important and productive agricultural soils in the world. Ever wonder how they... read more →
Apr
01
For many years, growers have asked, “How do I get the best results”? The short answer: don’t kill the biology that feeds you. In production agriculture, many cultural practices can hinder the beneficial biology of the soil. From old growth forests to the most productive cropland of the world, plant... read more →
Mar
09
It's All About the Biology! Understanding What Happens Below Ground. When the right set of organisms are present and performing their functions in the soil, both plant health and profitability soar. With modern management practices, many beneficial species of the soil have been eliminated. This reduces plant performance and productivity. With... read more →