View Full Version : Biochar: Black Gold or Just Another Snake Oil Scheme?
sunfish
02-16-2015, 01:33 PM
Biochar: Black Gold or Just Another Snake Oil Scheme? | Latest News | Earth Island Journal | Earth Island Institute (http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/biochar_black_gold_or_just_another_snake_oil_scheme/)
Richard
02-16-2015, 08:37 PM
Read all about it here:
Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science - Volume 177, Issue 5 - October, 2014 - Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.v177.5/issuetoc)
sunfish
02-16-2015, 09:22 PM
Read all about it here:
Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science - Volume 177, Issue 5 - October, 2014 - Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.v177.5/issuetoc)
Reading that gave me a headache :woohoonaner:
sunfish
02-16-2015, 09:28 PM
feeding it to cows to make them emit less gas
BlueJava79
02-16-2015, 10:18 PM
Tony,
Admittedly I didn't read through the whole article. I've grown cautious of products containing the labels bio-anything ever since I learned that "bio-solids" in our fertilizers and soil mixes was just a pleasant sounding way of hiding pelletized chemical waste products such as toilet bowl cleaners or Prozac! What's worse is when I inadvertently discovered the fact that most of our Florida citrus groves are being fertilized with the pelletized sewage of NYC.
Biosolids Management Program (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/wastewater/biohome.shtml) "Plants grown in soils where biosolids have been applied are more resistant to disease and drought conditions."
Oranges Fertilized With Sludge Boston Sewage Contains Toxic Metals, Raises Safety Concern - Sun Sentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-07-12/news/9202190270_1_sewage-sludge-toxic-metals-boston-harbor)
PR-Giants
02-17-2015, 06:49 PM
An important part of growing bananas is maintaining loose soil for rapid root growth and charcoal does that great and seems to last forever.
I also use it for my orchids and always have several blooms everyday of the year.
This local favorite is going to be an incredibly big beautiful bunch.
The size is just amazing, this will be well over 55 lb, and the only soil amendments were some charcoal and grass clippings, no fertilizer was needed or used.
It's even more impressive when compared it to the local United States Tropical Agricultural Research Station's average of 25 lb using drip irrigation with soluble 20-20-20+ micros and Osmocote slow release 19-16-12.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=51948 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51948)
Richard
02-17-2015, 08:13 PM
In the studies I've read - including those in the link previously provided - Biochar tends to bind Nitrogen thus making less available to plants.
PR-Giants
02-18-2015, 07:31 AM
I've been using it on my farm for decades and 'Nitrogen Binding' has not been a problem or even noticeable.
If a banana plant loses a small percentage of available nitrogen due to binding, but then increases it's root zone by 200% or 300% due to the loose soil, it's easy to see the net effect is a dramatic increase in nitrogen and other nutrients available to the plant.
There was an earlier discussion about coffee grounds binding nitrogen thus making less available to plants, so I filled a pot with 100% coffee grounds added a banana plant and just water. The plant grew and produced fruit like other bananas, here's a photo of the roots the day it was put in the ground.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=52820 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52820)
In the studies I've read - including those in the link previously provided - Biochar tends to bind Nitrogen thus making less available to plants.
Richard
06-02-2015, 12:22 AM
Here's a recent study on the use of Biochar in a category of tropical soils known as Ferralsols (http://www.isric.org/about-soils/world-soil-distribution/ferralsols) in some quarters and Oxisols (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxisol) elsewhere.
The results are mixed. Note that conclusions based on Ferralsols have little or no application to soils in the majority of the U.S. and Canada but might help some members in tropical regions.
Effect of biochar, lime, and compost application on phosphorus adsorption in a Ferralsol (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.201400552/abstract?campaign=wolearlyview)
PR-Giants
06-02-2015, 07:43 AM
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY - FACT SHEET (http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS147E/FS147E.pdf)
The nature of phosphorus in soils : University of Minnesota (http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/nutrient-management/phosphorus/the-nature-of-phosphorus/)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=51236 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51236)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=51188 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51188)
Nicolas Naranja
06-02-2015, 12:31 PM
There were a lot of presentations on biochar at the most recent Soil Science Society meeting. Results appeared to be variable depending on what the source of the biochar was, how hot it got, and what kind of soil it was applied to. I particularly remember poor results with high temperature treated almond shells in California. But, decent results with rice hulls here in Florida.
PR-Giants
06-02-2015, 02:56 PM
I particularly remember poor results...
Sometimes "poor results" can be ambiguous, was it...
a harmful impact on the soil?
or
a low return on investment as an amendment?
I think a lot has to do with expectations.
I attribute much of my success growing a'ea'e with using biochar. It's been the great equalizer against stupidity, in the past fungal rot was a problem and now it's barely a memory. It certainly improves aeration in the soil and retains moisture well.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57217 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57217)
Going Bananas
06-02-2015, 04:50 PM
Hello Everyone!
My first post on here I might ad.
Borrowing from palm culture (palmtalk.org)
to address the top 7 from the WSU List,
palm vendors from Hawaii use
crushed volcanic rock &
some use a mix with pine bark.
Everything is naturally organic
and no greenhouse gasses
emitted in its production.
Cheers!
Ritchy
cincinnana
06-02-2015, 06:10 PM
I attribute much of my success growing a'ea'e with using biochar. It's been the great equalizer against stupidity, i
]
AEAE.... its whats for dinner.
I attribute much of my success in grilling using biochar.
It's been the great equalizer against stupidty.
I've been using it for decades.
.https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8818/17149160930_acf1d11162_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s8pW5s)Biochar....good on the grill, and in the ground! (https://flic.kr/p/s8pW5s) by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/110357684@N02/), on Flickr
PR-Giants
06-02-2015, 07:33 PM
Less trees...more biochar....more AEAE for dinner. :lurk:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54142 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54142)
AEAE.... its whats for dinner.
I attribute much of my success in grilling using biochar.
It's been the great equalizer against stupidty.
I've been using it for decades.
.https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8818/17149160930_acf1d11162_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s8pW5s)Biochar....good on the grill, and in the ground! (https://flic.kr/p/s8pW5s) by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/110357684@N02/), on Flickr
Nicolas Naranja
06-02-2015, 07:35 PM
Poor results as in reduced plant growth. It just doesn't seem to be uniformly good for everybody.
cincinnana
06-02-2015, 07:48 PM
Weber grill, biochar, aeae pup.
.It IS what IS for dinner...
Burn them if you got them.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7767/17781422143_103f4d3ee1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t6hriR)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/t6hriR) by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/110357684@N02/), on Flickr
Going Bananas
06-02-2015, 10:12 PM
For the average hobbyist or home gardener...
Is it worth the price and return on your investment?
Wouldnt experience and the use of grass clippings, coffee grinds, mulch, etc...
be sufficient and more cost effective?
Whats the going rate $/pound for banana
in the market or farmers market?
crazy banana
06-03-2015, 12:11 AM
For the average hobbyist or home gardener...
Is it worth the price and return on your investment?
Wouldnt experience and the use of grass clippings, coffee grinds, mulch, etc...
be sufficient and more cost effective?
Whats the going rate $/pound for banana
in the market or farmers market?
It is a HOBBY and like with most hobbies, the return on your investment does not necessarily matter. I personally think that any homegrown banana has a better flavor than a supermarket one, so it is worth the investment right there.
I would be careful with the "black gold" charcoal, but in case of an AeAe I can picture its benefits if used in moderation.
Unfortunately, just grass clippings, coffee grinds and such would not be sufficient for growing banana plants in my soil.
PR-Giants
06-03-2015, 07:36 AM
For the average hobbyist or home gardener...
Is it worth the price and return on your investment?
Wouldnt experience and the use of grass clippings, coffee grinds, mulch, etc...
be sufficient and more cost effective?
Whats the going rate $/pound for banana
in the market or farmers market?
For whatever reason organic material seems to work really well in financially conservative areas. It works well in the Caribbean and has worked well in Africa for thousands of years.
"To improve soil fertility, cow dung and grass are dug into the soil... It takes some work, but the result is that large green fronds shade the plantation and banana bunches hang heavy with good-sized fingers."
None of these new (FHIA) hybrids are exactly like matooke... The taste is certainly different but... 'These people's taste for life is stronger'
I found something :
The 'FHIA' good factor for Ugandan bananas (http://www.new-ag.info/03-5/develop/dev01.html)
I think that this is the multipurpose variety that the Article talks..........called Kabana 3 (FHIA 17)........???
"Imported from Honduras, this 'FHIA' planting material is known locally as Kabana and several varieties are proving particularly popular. Kabana 3 (FHIA 17), for instance, is a multipurpose variety which can be roasted, fried, or eaten fresh."
???
Richard
06-03-2015, 09:36 AM
... Wouldnt experience and the use of grass clippings, coffee grinds, mulch, etc...
be sufficient ...
For fruiting bananas, no.
PR-Giants
06-04-2015, 06:52 AM
For fruiting bananas, no.
Sure can... been doing it for decades.
If you think homegrown tastes good... grass-fed is on a whole nother level.:lurk:
It takes more effort but it's worth it..:goteam:
The most common compliment I hear from my customers is
"Best Banana Ever" :waving:
Nicolas Naranja
06-04-2015, 05:31 PM
For the average hobbyist or home gardener...
Is it worth the price and return on your investment?
Wouldnt experience and the use of grass clippings, coffee grinds, mulch, etc...
be sufficient and more cost effective?
Whats the going rate $/pound for banana
in the market or farmers market?
It depends how poor your soils are to begin with. Carbon additions will improve yields immensely on poor sandy soils. Bananas at the market can sell from $0.75 to $2.00 per lb depending on variety
Richard
06-04-2015, 06:10 PM
... Carbon additions will improve yields immensely on poor sandy soils. ...
Depending on the form of the carbon. Some commercial and homemade varieties of Biochar have been shown to limit nitrogen availability to plants. Other forms of Biochar have been found to be beneficial in certain soils. A recent journal issue devoted to this topic can be found here: Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Volume 177, Issue 5 (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.v177.5/issuetoc).
cincinnana
07-19-2015, 07:13 PM
Burn pile in a working Montmorency cherry orchard.
.https://farm1.staticflickr.com/527/19814974195_7f5cdf50cd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/wbYVu8)
Burn pile before replant of cherry trees (https://flic.kr/p/wbYVu8)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/110357684@N02/),
on Flickr
Going Bananas
07-21-2015, 03:58 PM
This topic refuses to go away.
I forgot all about this one.
Ive also heard of wood chips as mulch limits
the absorbtion of nitrogen.
What some people do is mix in
manure or sulfate of ammonia with the wood chips
to supplement that limitation of N2 uptake.
Are there other sources of carbon other than biocharcoal?
Wouldnt regular wood chips/nuggets provide the same carbon source?
After all, the basic building block of organic matter comprises of CHON.
What we do is just recycle into differents
forms of carbon/hydrogen/oxygen/nitrogen.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
09-08-2015, 01:15 PM
For those of us that don't have a PHD in horticultural chemistry my humble opinion on bio-charcoal is this. "Charcoal briquettes" are made from pulverized compressed coal, a binder, and sawdust. I bought a bag to test and when it got wet it soaked up water an turned to mush. It sucks! I then bought "Lump charcoal" which in this case was baked Mesquite. It was unfazed by water so I am now crushing and using it in all plantings. So far so good.
Botanical_Bryce
01-06-2016, 07:57 PM
I don't care about studies. I use biochar for one purpose. To create loose airy soil for better roots. Surprisingly even though I use big chunks of it the worms love it. They carry it deep in the soil. No doubt my soil looks better and plants get bigger. I grow mostly in mulch and biochar and it makes an excellent soil base. I don't soil test I just look at healthy can plants. I make it cone pit method.
Botanical_Bryce
01-06-2016, 08:00 PM
This topic refuses to go away.
I forgot all about this one.
Ive also heard of wood chips as mulch limits
the absorbtion of nitrogen.
What some people do is mix in
manure or sulfate of ammonia with the wood chips
to supplement that limitation of N2 uptake.
Are there other sources of carbon other than biocharcoal?
Wouldnt regular wood chips/nuggets provide the same carbon source?
After all, the basic building block of organic matter comprises of CHON.
What we do is just recycle into differents
forms of carbon/hydrogen/oxygen/nitrogen.
No because it does not keep consistency. Turns to muck. Biochar never gets mucky and keep decayed wood matter light and fluffy.
Richard
01-07-2016, 12:34 AM
Who is your employer?
I don't care about studies. I use biochar for one purpose. To create loose airy soil for better roots. Surprisingly even though I use big chunks of it the worms love it. They carry it deep in the soil. No doubt my soil looks better and plants get bigger. I grow mostly in mulch and biochar and it makes an excellent soil base. I don't soil test I just look at healthy can plants. I make it cone pit method.
Botanical_Bryce
01-07-2016, 12:40 AM
I am. I maintain reptiles and arachnids as well as some handy services. How does my job pertain to biochar?
Richard
01-07-2016, 04:20 PM
I am. I maintain reptiles and arachnids as well as some handy services. How does my job pertain to biochar?
Do you have pictures taken in your garden of core samples or excavations that verify your statement
Surprisingly even though I use big chunks of it the worms love it. They carry it deep in the soil.
Botanical_Bryce
01-07-2016, 07:13 PM
Make your own and try it. Don't take my word. I could show you but I smell a baiter.
Richard
01-08-2016, 03:12 PM
Make your own and try it. Don't take my word. I could show you but I smell a baiter.
So your statement here about the worms is a complete fabrication?
... Surprisingly even though I use big chunks of it the worms love it. They carry it deep in the soil ...
Natureboy
01-22-2016, 02:58 PM
This looks like an interesting read:
http://www.biochar-international.org/sites/default/files/All-Biochars--Version2--Oct2009.pdf
I've been using hardwood ash from fires in my yard for a while and the bananas seem to like it. As it raises pH (like biochar), I would be hesitant to use it too much around my plants that like more acidic soil.
It sounds like some folks use biochar in the form of bagged wood charcoal. Are there certain brands/types anyone would recommend? In the paper above, they mention "Real Montana Charcoal" as one with good potential.
Richard
01-22-2016, 03:05 PM
This looks like an interesting read:
http://www.biochar-international.org/sites/default/files/All-Biochars--Version2--Oct2009.pdf
...
Biochar-International is a marketing organization.
You can find real studies in soil science journals such as this one:
Effect of biochar, lime, and compost application on phosphorus adsorption in a Ferralsol (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.201400552/abstract?campaign=wolearlyview)
Botanical_Bryce
01-22-2016, 03:20 PM
I make my charcoal in a cone pit method. I gather neighbors debris and convert it. I mix it with wood chips and compost and get great benefits. My best benefit is simply soil conditioning.
Richard
01-22-2016, 03:24 PM
I make my charcoal in a cone pit method. I gather neighbors debris and convert it. I mix it with wood chips and compost and get great benefits. My best benefit is simply soil conditioning.
In your location, soil conditioning - particularly the input of carbon is a requirement for most plants. Soils elsewhere often do not benefit from Biochar - esp. terrestrial clays.
Botanical_Bryce
01-22-2016, 03:35 PM
I do use charcoal raw but works better if it sets in the woodchips and compost for a while. Biochar was best addressed by one yard revolution on youtube and growing your greens. Growing your greens showed bugs eating the charcoal and beneficial fungus growing in it.
Natureboy
01-22-2016, 03:37 PM
Getting back to the inputs of "grass clippings, coffee grinds and such" and speaking only of experience growing bananas in FL, I can testify to the benefits of adding organic material in general to the soil. Richard seems to be keen on chemical fertilizers - and that's fine. I would just like to try to achieve the same or better results without them.
In my experience, *in Florida*, best results have been with moderate doses of Espoma (Holly or Citrus), fine mulch, coffee grounds, wood ash, and bi-annual thick applications of mushroom compost. Over the past couple years, I've found mushroom compost to be the key for me. It loosens up the soil and attracts huge amounts of earthworms. 200 fingers on my latest Namwah is enough direct evidence for me. Before using mushroom compost, I may have topped out at 120.
Botanical_Bryce
01-22-2016, 03:51 PM
I bring home 4 to eight yards of fine mulch per week and treat it with mykos. I have use almost no chemical fertilizers but some I do. I get results either way. When the mulch decomps it seems to pack. The charcoal seems to keep it light and fluffy. I wish I could access mushroom compost.
Natureboy
01-22-2016, 04:16 PM
I wish I could access mushroom compost.
Bryce, you CAN! Why don't you pick some up from Monterey Mushrooms in Zellwood next time you're over in that area? Sometimes it's free, sometimes they charge you $10 a yard. I bring a 4x8x3 trailer over there and load up a few times a year.
Orlando Facility | Monterey Mushrooms (http://www.montereymushrooms.com/about-us/company-divisions/fresh-division/orlando-facility/)
You could stop by when you go to Green's Nursery next month - it's right down the street!
Botanical_Bryce
01-22-2016, 04:22 PM
Wow! All i can say.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
01-22-2016, 07:45 PM
Getting back to the inputs of "grass clippings, coffee grinds and such" and speaking only of experience growing bananas in FL, I can testify to the benefits of adding organic material in general to the soil. Richard seems to be keen on chemical fertilizers - and that's fine. I would just like to try to achieve the same or better results without them.
In my experience, *in Florida*, best results have been with moderate doses of Espoma (Holly or Citrus), fine mulch, coffee grounds, wood ash, and bi-annual thick applications of mushroom compost. Over the past couple years, I've found mushroom compost to be the key for me. It loosens up the soil and attracts huge amounts of earthworms. 200 fingers on my latest Namwah is enough direct evidence for me. Before using mushroom compost, I may have topped out at 120.
How about some pics?:drum:
Natureboy
01-22-2016, 09:35 PM
For some reason, I can't upload photos anymore, regardless of file size. It even says they've uploaded successfully, but they never appear in my photo area. Anyway, I used a different route and here are some pics. OK, I exaggerated a bit - there were actually 192 fingers... :)
View image: IMG 20160108 083441564 (http://postimg.org/image/grmu463zn/)
View image: IMG 20160108 083035300 (http://postimg.org/image/rbpeo7w3n/)
View image: IMG 20160108 145011068 (http://postimg.org/image/fj4586ps1/)
Botanical_Bryce
01-22-2016, 09:50 PM
Are those old pictures or did you not freeze?
Are those old pictures or did you not freeze? No freeze here. Lowest since 12/10 has been 41; 37 maybe tonight.
Richard
01-23-2016, 01:29 AM
... Over the past couple years, I've found mushroom compost to be the key for me. ...
Mushroom compost is high in nutrient density of N-P-K in comparison with leaf or grass mulch. Where available in bulk it can be a cost effective alternative to nutrient concentrates - esp. in comparison to neglible inputs. I use 15 cu. yards of it a year as a side dressing in my 1/4 acre orchard and planter beds.
There are produce farmers in my area who use mushroom compost as their sole nutrient input for cauliflower, broccoli, etc. They till it in about 2 feet deep with a tractor prior to each planting. The results are spectacular. Of course there's a huge mushroom farm in the area that outputs a couple hundred yards of free compost per week.
PR-Giants
01-23-2016, 06:25 AM
Getting back to the inputs of "grass clippings, coffee grinds and such" ...
Richard seems to be keen on chemical fertilizers
I would just like to try to achieve the same or better results without them.
It's easy to get better results and the fruit tastes a whole lot better.
I get amazing results using compost tea made from grass clippings, biochar and some top mulch.
Never used chemical fertilizers.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56807 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56807)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57199 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57199)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=51246&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51246)
Natureboy
01-23-2016, 08:30 AM
Are those old pictures or did you not freeze?
The pics are from about 2 weeks ago. Lowest temps will be tonight - around 37. I was harvesting individual hands for a couple weeks, but finally cut the whole bunch off yesterday, as we are getting too much consistent cold for continued growth/ripening.
cincinnana
02-04-2016, 09:10 PM
Biochar.. produced this massive bunch....73 grams......:woohoonaner:
Charcoal is a great soilless or soil additive.
I like mine small curd.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/15162037325_c5f24f5071_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p6PpsD)
Orinoco....or poser (https://flic.kr/p/p6PpsD)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/), on Flickr
.https://farm1.staticflickr.com/301/18803616320_2f57a98819_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uDBs2o)
Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/uDBs2o)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/), on Flickr
.https://farm1.staticflickr.com/338/18370620883_7bd4c8b612_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tZmeyP)
Al's gritty mix with charcoal (https://flic.kr/p/tZmeyP)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/),
on Flickr
Botanical_Bryce
02-05-2016, 02:42 AM
Some of my first corms popping are the ones planted in pure chunks of biochar.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
02-05-2016, 11:36 AM
Some of my first corms popping are the ones planted in pure chunks of biochar.
In Reply to your Post Re: Biochar: Black Gold or Just Another Snake Oil Scheme?:
Do you have any pics of your project? Did you leave them in the bio or replant in something else? I am thinking of starting off this spring by trying to get my bare rooted plants started rooting in some media and then planting in the ground from there. Thanks:0519:
PR-Giants
02-05-2016, 01:19 PM
I am thinking of starting off this spring by trying to get my bare rooted plants started rooting in some media and then planting in the ground from there. Thanks:0519:
I've been doing that for a while, just planted another beautiful Manini a few minutes ago. The roots grow quickly in a very loose medium and to make transplanting less stressful I remove the bottom of the pot, put the whole thing in the ground and then lift the outer part of the pot over the leaves.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
02-05-2016, 02:06 PM
I've been doing that for a while, just planted another beautiful Manini a few minutes ago. The roots grow quickly in a very loose medium and to make transplanting less stressful I remove the bottom of the pot, put the whole thing in the ground and then lift the outer part of the pot over the leaves.
Good idea with the pot process. I'll give it a try.
:03:
HMelendez
02-06-2016, 11:32 AM
I have been using biochar with all my bananas and plantains......
Latest examples.....
Trans-planting my PR Verdin Banana on 01/10/2016
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=59319&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=59319&ppuser=19184)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=59320&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=59320&ppuser=19184)
Trans-planting my PR Morado banana on 01/10/2016.....
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=59317&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=59317&ppuser=19184)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=59318&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=59318&ppuser=19184)
PR Morado banana and PR Verdin banana (Guineo Blanco).....
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=59451 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=59451)
From left to right: PR Cuerno De Alce (ARH) Plantain, PR Morado banana and PR Verdin banana (Guineo Blanco).....
cincinnana
02-06-2016, 08:17 PM
[QUOTE=HMelendez;268459]I have been using biochar with all my bananas and plantains......
I like mine small curd..........mixed well in the soil with a tiller....
You do mix the small:08: chunks in the soil ..........yes.
cincinnana
02-06-2016, 08:57 PM
All of the photos on the org depict charcoal on the top of the soil....
I hope is for pictures only......because on the top of the soil is useless
Botanical_Bryce
02-06-2016, 09:27 PM
I use it on and in the soil. I just throw it on because at some point it will get churned in anyway. I preffer to put it in the bottoms of my planting holes. Just started planting in nothing but charcoal to see what happens. I notice those plants are giving early growth.
cincinnana
02-07-2016, 07:48 AM
Lump Charcoal is on sale now at Sams Club, Publix and Kroger
I have to purchase some more....7 bucks a bag.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8802/18403716041_4d2446eea4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/u3gRAZ)
Biochar/Charcoal (https://flic.kr/p/u3gRAZ)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/),
on Flickr
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