One Yard Revolution: Let the 2014 Biochar Trials Begin!

Ladies and gentlemen, let the biochar trials begin.

This weekend marked the beginning of my indoor biochar trial, which will test 2 simple hypotheses:

1. Adding biochar to a potting mix at a rate of 5 to 10% of the mix will not have an impact on the germination rate of seeds; and

2. Adding biochar to a potting mix at a rate of 5 to 10% of the mix will result in larger plant growth

In preparation for the trial, four weeks ago I blended biochar with worm castings in order charge the biochar with nutrients and inoculate it with microbes. Now that the biochar has charged for 4 weeks, it’s time to get the trial started.

So, this weekend I prepared the potting mixes for the control and test groups, started the seeds for the plants in the trial, watered them, and placed them under lights. This doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but I must say that I am very excited to see the results.

OYR is all about growing a lot of food on a little land using sustainable organic methods, while keeping costs and labor at a minimum. Emphasis is placed on improving soil quality with compost, mulch, and compost tea. No store-bought fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides, compost activators, etc. are used.