Method for application of biochar in turf grass and landscaping environments
The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.
1. A method for applying biochar to an area of soil prior to transplanting a plant, the method comprising:
removing soil, thereby creating a hole for the plant, thereby forming removed soil;
mixing the removed soil with the biochar to a final concentration of 1 to 30% by volume of biochar to soil, thereby forming a mixture of soil and biochar, wherein:
the biochar comprises a plurality of pores,
the plurality of pores comprises a total pore volume,
at least 25% of the total pore volume is filled with an additive solution using a surfactant, and
the plurality of pores comprise binders infused into at least some of the pores, the binders configured to facilitate binding of the biochar with seeds;
placing the plant in the hole; and
backfilling the hole with the mixture of soil and biochar.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mixture comprises additives beneficial to plants.
3. A method for applying biochar to a container or a bed prior to planting a seed or a plant, the method comprising:
mixing a soil with the biochar to a final concentration of 1 to 30% by volume of biochar to soil, thereby forming a mixture of soil and biochar;
placing the mixture of soil and biochar in the container or the bed; and
planting the seed or the plant in the mixture;
wherein the biochar comprises pores comprising a total pore volume, and wherein:
at least 25% of the total pore volume is filled with an additive solution;
the filling with an additive solution is achieved using a surfactant; and
the biochar pores comprise binders infused into the pores, the binders configured to facilitate binding of the biochar with seeds.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the binder infused into the pores comprises a starch solution.
5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising planting the seed in the mixture, and creating, prior to planting the seed in the mixture, a slurry of the biochar and the binder, immersing the seed in the slurry, and drying the seed such that the seed remains coated with the biochar.