Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Bio Char

NPK N/A

Biochar is a carbon-rich soil amendment created by heating organic biomass (such as wood, crop residues, or agricultural waste) at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen — a process called pyrolysis. While biochar carries essentially no NPK value, it is one of the most powerful long-term soil improvement tools available to gardeners and farmers.

Biochar's magic lies in its microscopic structure: billions of tiny pores that act as homes for beneficial soil microorganisms, sponges for water and nutrients, and permanent reservoirs that prevent fertilizers from leaching out of the root zone. A single application of biochar can improve soil fertility for decades — possibly centuries — because the stable carbon structure resists decomposition.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char is OMRI-listed for organic production and works in any soil type. It is especially transformative in sandy soils that struggle with water and nutrient retention, clay soils that need better drainage and aeration, and tired soils that need a microbial reboot.

Application Rates FAQs
Nutrient Profile
WO-BIO-CHAR
N/A
Bio Char
Derived From
  • Organic biomass (wood) pyrolyzed at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment
N/A
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
One-time application provides decades of benefits
Feeding Frequency
—
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 0-0-0

Biochar is essentially charcoal made for agricultural use. The pyrolysis process creates a highly porous carbon material with an enormous surface area — up to 300 square meters per gram. This structure gives biochar three key properties: it holds water like a sponge, it traps nutrients that would otherwise wash away, and it provides habitat for the beneficial bacteria and fungi that drive soil health.

Biochar does not decompose the way compost or mulch does. Once applied, it persists in the soil for hundreds of years, continuously improving soil structure and fertility. This makes it a one-time investment in long-term soil health.

For best results, biochar should be 'charged' before application by mixing it with compost, worm castings, or liquid fertilizer. Fresh biochar can temporarily tie up nitrogen as it absorbs and fills its pores, so charging it first prevents any short-term nutrient deficit.

N
Nitrogen — 0%

N/A — Biochar itself contains negligible available nutrients but dramatically improves nitrogen retention in soil by reducing leaching.

P
Phosphorus — 0%

N/A — Biochar does not supply phosphorus directly but increases phosphorus availability by improving soil cation exchange capacity.

K
Potassium — 0%

N/A — Biochar provides trace amounts of potassium from ash content but is not a significant potassium source.

Recommended Plants

Best For

All Vegetables
Fruit Trees
Berries
Lawns
Container Plants
Flowers
Herbs
Cover Crops

Growing Detail

Biochar benefits virtually all crops by improving the soil environment. Vegetables in raised beds see improved water retention and nutrient availability. Fruit trees and berries benefit from the long-term soil structure improvement around their root zones. Lawns become more drought-tolerant. Container plants retain moisture longer between waterings. Any garden soil with low organic matter will see dramatic improvement.
Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
3-5 cubic feet per 100 sq ft, mixed into top 4-6 inches
Container / Pot
5-10% by volume of potting mix
Water Mix
N/A — Biochar is not water-soluble
Lawn
Apply after aeration at 2-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
10-20% by volume of backfill soil
Per Acre
1-5 tons per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

Biochar can be applied at any time of year, but fall and early spring are ideal — this gives time for the material to integrate with soil biology before planting season. For lawns, apply after core aeration so biochar fills the holes. Biochar persists indefinitely, so timing is less critical than with nutrient amendments.
How It Compares

Side by Side

Biochar vs. Compost: Compost provides nutrients and organic matter but decomposes within 1-2 seasons. Biochar provides permanent soil structure improvement but minimal nutrients. Use both together for best results. Biochar vs. Bone Char: Bone char provides phosphorus and calcium along with carbon structure. Standard biochar is purely a soil conditioner with no significant nutrient content.

Safety & Storage

Biochar is non-toxic and safe to handle. Dry biochar dust can irritate lungs — wear a dust mask and wet the material before spreading to reduce dust. Store in a dry location — dry biochar can be a fire hazard if exposed to sparks. Keep bags sealed to prevent moisture absorption before intentional charging.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • Biochar is a carbon-rich soil amendment produced by heating organic materials (wood, agricultural waste, or other biomass) at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment — a process called pyrolysis. The result is a highly porous, stable form of carbon that persists in soil for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar improves soil structure, water retention, nutrient-holding capacity, and microbial habitat. It is not a fertilizer itself but dramatically enhances how soil holds and delivers nutrients to plants. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char is a premium soil amendment for building healthier, more productive soil.
  • Biochar delivers multiple soil-building benefits. Its highly porous structure increases water retention in sandy soils and improves drainage in clay soils. The massive surface area provides habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms, boosting biological activity. Biochar's cation exchange capacity helps soil hold onto nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium instead of letting them leach away. Over time, biochar-amended soils require less fertilizer and water while producing healthier, more productive plants. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char transforms ordinary soil into a nutrient-rich, moisture-holding growing medium.
  • Mix biochar into the top 6–8 inches of garden soil at a rate of 5–10% by volume. For best results, charge the biochar before use by soaking it in compost tea, liquid fertilizer, or worm casting extract for 24–48 hours — this pre-loads the porous structure with nutrients and beneficial microbes. Apply once, as biochar persists in soil for years without needing replacement. It can also be added to potting mixes, compost piles, and raised beds. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char is ready to use or charge for maximum soil-building impact.
  • Yes, biochar significantly improves soil water retention. The highly porous structure acts like a microscopic sponge, absorbing and holding water that would otherwise drain away. Studies show biochar can increase soil water-holding capacity by 20–50% depending on soil type and application rate. This is especially valuable in sandy soils, raised beds, and drought-prone gardens where moisture conservation is critical. Plants in biochar-amended soil require less frequent watering and show greater drought resilience. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char helps gardens retain moisture naturally for healthier plants with less water.
  • Add biochar at a rate of 5–10% by volume of your soil. For a standard 4x8 raised bed filled to 12 inches deep, this is approximately 15–30 quarts of biochar. For in-ground gardens, incorporate 1–2 inches of biochar into the top 6–8 inches of soil. For potting mixes, replace 5–10% of the total volume with biochar. A little goes a long way because biochar persists in soil for hundreds of years — this is a one-time soil investment that keeps paying dividends. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char provides long-lasting soil improvement from a single application.
  • Charging biochar — soaking it in a nutrient-rich liquid before adding to soil — is highly recommended. Uncharged biochar can temporarily absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil as its pores fill up, which may briefly reduce nutrient availability to plants. Pre-charging with compost tea, diluted liquid fertilizer, or worm casting extract saturates the pores with nutrients and beneficial microbes so the biochar immediately contributes to soil fertility instead of competing for it. Soak for 24–48 hours before incorporating into soil. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char responds excellently to charging for maximum garden benefit.
  • Yes, adding biochar to compost is one of the most effective ways to use it. The porous structure provides habitat for composting microorganisms, accelerating decomposition. Biochar also absorbs and retains nutrients released during composting that would otherwise leach out with rainfall. The finished compost-biochar blend is a supercharged soil amendment that delivers both nutrients and long-term soil structure improvement. Add biochar at 5–10% of compost pile volume. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bio Char integrates seamlessly into composting systems for enhanced soil-building results.

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