"Horticultural charcoal or biochar is manufactured specifically for the garden and will be free of any chemicals. It consists of organic material that's heated quickly at very high temperatures without oxygen, creating a highly porous product that will improve soil aeration and act as a water and microbe reservoir."
"Even horticultural charcoal is not in itself a fertilizer. It will initially pull nutrients from its surroundings and then release them over time. If you're mixing charcoal into soil, it's advised that you soak it in compost tea first - a process known as charging."
Charcoal has been used for soil improvement for 2,000 years, but barbecue charcoal contains harmful additives. Horticultural charcoal or biochar is specifically made for gardening, free of chemicals, and enhances soil aeration. Activated charcoal is another option but can be more expensive. Horticultural charcoal initially pulls nutrients from the soil, so it should be soaked in compost tea before mixing to prevent nutrient dilution. Soil structure is crucial for plant growth, especially in areas with heavy clay soil that retains water.
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