Biochar Application Guide
How To Use
The rates of application for biochar derived from different feedstocks, like poultry litter and green-waste, vary due to several key factors related to the properties of the biochar produced and the specific requirements of the soil and plants where it's applied. Here are some of the main reasons for these differences:
- Nutrient Content:
- Poultry Litter Biochar: Typically has higher nutrient content, especially in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This makes it more potent as a fertilizer, so lower application rates might be sufficient to achieve desired soil enrichment.
- Green-waste Biochar: Generally has lower nutrient content compared to poultry litter biochar. It is often more carbon-rich with a different nutrient profile, requiring higher application rates to achieve similar soil fertility benefits.
- Feedstock Composition:
- The original composition of the feedstock influences the final properties of the biochar. Poultry litter, being an animal waste product, is richer in certain nutrients than green waste, which is primarily plant-based material.
- Impact on Soil pH:
- Different types of biochar can have varying effects on soil pH. Poultry litter biochar has a more significant alkalizing effect on the soil than green-waste biochar, affecting how much should be applied depending on the existing soil pH.
- Porosity and Surface Area:
- The physical structure of biochar, including its porosity and surface area, can differ based on the feedstock. This affects its ability to retain water and nutrients and influences the application rate for optimal results.
Application Guidelines
The application rates and methods below are generic guidelines and may need adjustment based on thorough soil testing, environmental conditions, and specific plant species requirements. Consult with one of our dedicated soil specialists for precise application recommendations. Find More
Rate of Application of TerraBoost (Green-waste Biochar)
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Area of Land
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Application Rate (TerraBoost)
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Application Frequency
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Application Method
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Additional Notes
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Home Gardens (Small)
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10 - 20 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 2-3 years
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Mix into the top 10-20 cm of soil
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Adjust rate based on soil type and plant needs
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Home Gardens (Large)
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5 - 15 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 2-3 years
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Mix into the top 10-20 cm of soil
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Ideal for vegetable and flower beds
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Residential Lawns
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5 - 10 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Top dress and water in
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Apply in early spring or fall
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Community Parks
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3 - 8 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 4-5 years
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Spread evenly and incorporate into soil
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Ideal for grassy areas and around trees
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Agricultural Fields (Crops)
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1 - 4 tonnes/ha
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Annually or as per crop cycle
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Incorporated into soil pre-planting
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Rate depends on crop type and soil condition
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Orchards and Vineyards
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2 - 6 tonnes/ha
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Every 2-3 years
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Apply around the base of trees/vines
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Depth and proximity to roots are important
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Commercial Landscaping
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5 - 10 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Mix into topsoil for new plantings
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Suitable for decorative plants and lawns
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Golf Courses
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3 - 7 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Apply to fairways and greens as top dressing
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Helps in water retention and turf health
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Reclaimed Land
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10 - 20 kg/m²
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Once initially
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Evenly incorporate into the soil
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Higher rates for poor soil conditions
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Forested Areas
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2 - 5 tonnes/ha
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Every 3-5 years
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Spread evenly on the forest floor
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Avoid application directly on tree trunks
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Rate of Application of NutriBoost (Poultry Litter Biochar)
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Area of Land
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Application Rate (NutriBoost Biochar)
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Application Frequency
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Application Method
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Additional Notes
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Home Gardens (Small)
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5 - 10 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 2-3 years
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Mix into the top 10-20 cm of soil
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Adjust based on soil fertility and plant needs
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Home Gardens (Large)
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3 - 8 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 2-3 years
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Mix into the top 10-20 cm of soil
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Ideal for enhancing vegetable and flower beds
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Residential Lawns
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3 - 6 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Top dress and water in
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Apply in early spring or fall
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Community Parks
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2 - 5 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 4-5 years
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Spread evenly and incorporate into soil
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Suitable for grassy areas and ornamental plants
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Agricultural Fields (Crops)
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500 kg - 2 tonnes/ha
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Annually or as per crop cycle
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Incorporated into soil pre-planting
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Rate depends on crop type and soil fertility
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Orchards and Vineyards
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1 - 3 tonnes/ha
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Every 2-3 years
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Apply around the base of trees/vines
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Take care with depth and proximity to roots
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Commercial Landscaping
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3 - 7 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Mix into topsoil for new plantings
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Great for enhancing soil in decorative areas
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Golf Courses
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2 - 6 kg/m²
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Once initially, then reassess every 3-4 years
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Apply to fairways and greens as top dressing
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Aids in turf health and resilience
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Reclaimed Land
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5 - 15 kg/m²
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Once initially
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Evenly incorporate into the soil
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Useful for improving soil structure and health
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Forested Areas
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1 - 2 tonnes/ha
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Every 3-5 years
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Spread evenly on the forest floor
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Avoid direct application near tree trunks
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Rate of Application of Biochar and Compost Blends
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Application Area
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Application Rate
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Application Frequency
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Method of Application
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Notes
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Vegetable Gardens
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2 - 5 kg/m²
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Once initially, reassess annually
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Mix into top 10-20 cm of soil
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Rate can vary based on existing soil fertility.
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Lawns
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1 - 3 kg/m²
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Once initially, reassess every 2-3 years
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Top dress and lightly rake in
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Suitable for improving soil structure in lawns.
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Flower Beds
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2 - 5 kg/m²
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Once initially, reassess annually
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Mix into top 10-20 cm of soil
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Tailor to specific flower types and soil conditions.
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Orchards
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1 - 4 tonnes/ha
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Every 3-5 years
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Apply around the base of trees
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Rate depends on tree age and soil health.
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Agricultural Fields
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1 - 3 tonnes/ha
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Annually or as per crop cycle
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Incorporated into soil pre-planting
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Adjust based on crop type and soil health.
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Container Plants
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50 - 150 g/L of soil
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When repotting or annually
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Mix thoroughly with potting soil
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Ensure even distribution for root health.
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Rate of Application of Biochar and Fertilizer Blends
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Application Area
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Application Rate
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Application Frequency
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Method of Application
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Notes
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Vegetable Gardens
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1 - 3 kg/m²
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Once initially, then as needed based on soil testing
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Incorporate into the top 15-20 cm of soil
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Rates can vary depending on the nutrient requirements of specific vegetables and existing soil fertility.
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Lawns
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0.5 - 2 kg/m²
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Annually or as needed
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Evenly spread and lightly rake or water into the lawn
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Adjust based on lawn condition, soil type, and desired growth rate.
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Flower Beds
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1 - 3 kg/m²
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Once initially, then as needed
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Mix into the top 15-20 cm of soil
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Tailor to the nutrient requirements of specific flowers and existing soil conditions.
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Agricultural Fields (Crops)
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200 - 600 kg/ha
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Annually or per crop cycle
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Incorporated into the soil at planting
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Adjust for crop type, soil health, and fertility requirements.
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Orchards
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1 - 4 tonnes/ha
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Every 2-3 years
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Apply around the base of trees, avoiding direct contact with tree trunks
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Consider tree age, soil condition, and type of fruit trees.
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Potted Plants and Containers
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50 - 100 g/L of soil mixture
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When repotting or annually
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Mix thoroughly with potting soil
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Ensure even distribution for healthy root growth and nutrient uptake.
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