Below are studies showing how biochar pulls all of the nutrients out of the soil which is not good for farmers. There are indeed some studies and reports suggesting that biochar can, under certain conditions, immobilize nutrients or reduce their immediate availability to plants, particularly in the short term. This can be seen as a drawback for farmers seeking immediate crop yield improvements. Here’s a summary of those concerns, along with key sources and explanations:
1. Nutrient Adsorption / Immobilization
Biochar has a highly porous structure with a large surface area and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which allows it to bind nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). This can sometimes reduce nutrient availability to plants, especially shortly after application.
Key Findings:
• Lehmann et al. (2003): Biochar can adsorb ammonium and nitrate, making them less available to plants initially.
• Biederman and Harpole (2013) [Meta-analysis]: Some biochars may suppress plant growth in the first season due to nitrogen immobilization, especially in low-fertility soils.
• Jones et al. (2012): Found reduced phosphorus availability in acidic soils due to biochar’s adsorption of phosphate ions.
2. Biochar Source Matters
Some biochars—particularly those made from woody materials or produced at high pyrolysis temperatures—have very high adsorption capacity and low nutrient content, making them more likely to pull nutrients from the soil rather than add to it.
Key Findings:
• Mukherjee and Zimmerman (2013): Found that fresh, high-temperature biochar can initially act as a nutrient “sponge,” leading to short-term yield declines unless pre-charged or composted.
• Jeffery et al. (2011): Meta-analysis shows variable results, with some biochars decreasing plant growth in the first year of use.
3. Solutions: “Charging” or “Activating” Biochar
To mitigate this issue, researchers often recommend pre-loading biochar with nutrients, such as:
• Co-composting with manure or compost
• Soaking in nutrient solutions (e.g., urine, fish emulsion)
• Mixing with fertilizer before application
This makes biochar a slow-release nutrient buffer, rather than a nutrient sink.
4. Real-World Farmer Concerns
Farmers have reported:
• Delayed crop responses after biochar application
• Perceived “robbing” of soil nutrients by biochar
• The need for complementary fertilization strategies
Key Citations
• Lehmann, J., et al. (2003). “Soil fertility effects of biochar.” Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
• Biederman, L. A., & Harpole, W. S. (2013). “Biochar and its effects on plant productivity and nutrient cycling: a meta-analysis.” GCB Bioenergy.
• Jeffery, S., et al. (2011). “A quantitative review of the effects of biochar application to soils on crop productivity using meta-analysis.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.
• Mukherjee, A., & Zimmerman, A. R. (2013). “Organic carbon and nutrient release from a range of laboratory-produced biochars and biochar–soil mixtures.” Geoderma.
• Jones, D. L., et al. (2012). “Nutrient stripping: The dark side of biochar.” Environmental Science & Technology
Best Practices to Avoid Biochar Pitfalls
• Pre-charge Biochar with compost, urine, or liquid fertilizers
• Use low-temperature or manure-based biochars for higher nutrient content
• Apply in conjunction with biological inoculants or microbial teas
• Avoid raw, unconditioned biochar in poor or sandy soils
SYNSTEC's Life Lattice is a better solution.
SYNSTEC’s patented Life Lattice technology offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional biochar. It:
• Provides continuous composting of agro-waste at the nanoscale
• Supports a thriving nano-verse of soil microbes
• Is sprayable through standard irrigation systems
• Requires no tilling, mixing, or pre-charging
Designed for ease of use and maximum impact, Life Lattice turns every drop of irrigation water into a carrier of regeneration. This is precision microbiome engineering for 21st-century agriculture—from soil to cell, from Earth to Mars.