For centuries, biochar was used by the indigenous peoples of amazonia as a natural and easily-obtained soil amendment that builds microbial communities and long-term fertility in soils. Recently, farmers and researchers have been finding that biochar not only creates an incredibly rich habitat for microbes, nematodes, and fungi but it also adds stable carbon to the soil, which allows for better soil water retention and more efficient nutrient cycling.
This workshop will explore best practices in using biochar at a variety of scales. We’ll look at field trials of biochar used in a no-till system at Astarte Farm and learn from farmer Dan Pratt why and how they use biochar as an amendment. We’ll be joined for a presentation on the agronomic applications of biochar by Professor Emily Cole from Westfield State University and Hugh McLaughlin of Nextchar will speak about how to assess different biochar qualities for your needs. We’ll also be joined by a special guest during our potluck lunch who will demonstrate how you can make biochar yourself at little or no cost.