What is Biochar? Any organic matter (e.g. wood, manure or plant matter) that is heated in a closed container with little or no available air, to 400 – 500 degrees Celsius. Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer. The Benefits of Biochar on Cattle Production Generally improved health and appearance • Improved vitality • Improved udder health • Decreased cell counts in the milk (interrupting the administration of biochar leads to higher cell counts and a drop in performance) • Minimisation of hoof problems • Stabilisation of postpartum health • Reduced diarrhoea within 1-2 days, faeces subsequently generally more solid • Decline in the mortality rate • Increase in milk protein and/or fat • Combining biochar and sauerkraut brine has proved worthwhile • Marked improvement of slurry viscosity, with less stirring needed and less scum on the surface • Slurry not smelling as bad as it used to • Preliminary tests on the slurry show that adding biochar via the gastrointestinal tract or via direct application • Increased ammonium nitrogen • Reduced nitrate and nitrite The Benefits of Biochar on Soil Health Increased nutrient retention • Reduced leaching • Increased cation exchange capacity • Improved soil structure • Improved water holding capacity • Decreased soil acidity • Increased microbe count The Benefits of Biochar on Dung Beetles Biochar absorbs nutrients from rumen and dung • Dung beetles carry nutrient rich biochar into the ground • Biochar stays in soil and doesn’t get broken down • Beetles bury dung, minimising buffalo fly cycle & parasitic worms
