Biochar Aggregate Particles
Biochar aggregate particles are provided that are less than 5 mm and are comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm and a binding agent. The binding agent may be clay, starch, a lignin, a polymer and/or a lipid. The biochar aggregate particles may also include additives and/or surfactants. The biochar fines may further be treated with a surfactant solution, a vacuum, ultrasonics or infused with any number of additives.
1 . An aggregate particle that is less than 5 mm and is comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm and a binding agent.
2 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 where the binding agent is clay.
3 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 where the binding agent is a starch.
4 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 where the binding agent includes a lignin, a polymer and/or a lipid.
5 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 , where the biochar fines have been treated with a surfactant solution.
6 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 , where the biochar fines have been treated using a vacuum.
7 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 , where the biochar fines have been treated using ultrasonics.
8 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 , where the biochar fines have been treated by infusing a liquid into the pores of the biochar fines.
9 . The aggregate particle of claim 8 , where the biochar fines have been infused with a liquid or vapor additive.
10 . The aggregate particle of claim 9 , where the additive includes a selection from one or more of the following: a fertilizer, a nutrient, a vitamin, a supplement, or a medication.
11 . The aggregate particle of claim 9 , where the additive includes a microbe or microbial spore.
12 . The aggregate particle of claim 9 , where the additive includes a fungicide, insecticide, or nematicide.
13 . The aggregate particle of claim 9 , where the additive includes a plant hormone, secondary signal activators, or signaling agent.
14 . The aggregate particle of claim 1 , where the biochar fines have been treated with a pH adjusting solution.
15 . The biochar aggregate particle of claim 1 , where 95% of the biochar fines are between 0.1 and 0.5 mm in equivalent diameter.
16 . An aggregate particle that is less than 5 mm and is comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm, a binding agent, and an additive.
17 . The aggregated particular of claim 16 where additive includes is selection from one or more of the following: a fertilizer, a nutrient, a vitamin, a supplement, a medication, a nutrient, a vitamin, a supplement, medication, a microbe, a microbial spore, a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, a plant hormone, secondary signal activators or signaling agent.
18 . The aggregate particle of claim 17 , where the fertilizer is ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, Cal-Mat fertilizer, and/or a micronutrient fertilizer.
19 . The aggregate particle of claim 17 , where the nutrient is nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, copper and/or chloride.
20 . An aggregate particle that is less than 5 mm and is comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm, surfactant, and a binding agent.
21 . The aggregate particle of claim 20 , where the surfactant is a nonionic type surfactant
22 . The aggregate particle of claim 20 , where the surfactant is an anionic type surfactant
23 . The aggregate particle of claim 20 , where the surfactant is a cationic type surfactant
24 . The aggregate particle of claim 20 , where the surfactant is an amphoteric type surfactant.