Application Instructions
C-Fix is perfect for residential lawns, professional landscaping, golf course maintenance or enhancing grass growth on any outdoor space.
For optimal soil health, spread C-Fix evenly with a broadcast spreader.
Spread at a rate of five to 12 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Benefits of Biochar for Soil Health
Biochar soil amendments like C-Fix are an effective, eco-friendly means to increase soil moisture, grass plant growth, soil acidity and even crop yield while fixing carbon dioxide in the soil.
The high surface area and complex pore structure of biochar promotes soil organic carbon sequestration, which lowers the overall greenhouse gas emissions of your lawn care practices. This means that atmospheric carbon dioxide can be held in the soil.
The surface area of biochar also provides habitat for healthy bacteria and fungi to flourish. This helps improve soil fertility by increasing soil nutrient bioavailability, ensuring grass always has the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Biochar also helps improve soil quality, aiding nutrient retention and helping prevent erosion.
The materials necessary to produce biochar lead to its unique properties that make it conducive to soil health. Like organic soil amendments, biochar soil amendments work with the soil to make it genuinely healthier rather than pumping soil with artificial nutrients that will wash away as soon as it rains.
Active Ingredients
Biochar, composted and pasteurized poultry litter, humates and beneficial microbes.
Why humate?
In addition to biochar, C-Fix offers the benefits of humate. This compound has three core features to supercharge soil with the building blocks turf grass needs to thrive.
![Organic Turf Care](https://res.cloudinary.com/southland-organics/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/v1650016987/Southland%20Website/MAC/Microbes.png)
The added beneficial microbes help decompose residual pesticides and herbicides and unlock bound nutrients in the soil. This makes nutrients available to plants in simpler, more easily absorbed forms. Microbes amplify conventional programs by making your inputs work harder for longer.
![Organic Turf Care](https://res.cloudinary.com/southland-organics/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/v1650016987/Southland%20Website/MAC/Acids.png)
Organic acids and top-quality, organic carbon work to break surface tension of compacted soils and deliver oxygen to the root zone. Grass grows deeper roots in oxygenated soil, helping it resist disease and overtake weeds.
![Organic Turf Care](https://res.cloudinary.com/southland-organics/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/v1650016987/Southland%20Website/MAC/Carbon.png)
Carbon is the main building block of all organic life. In fact, 50% of plant life is made up of carbon. Carbon feeds microbes and is critical to microbial health. The microbes, in turn, assimilate nutrients and deliver them to the roots for growth and development. Carbon is the ultimate macro element that lawns need to thrive.
With these three secret ingredients, plants develop deeper roots, retain water, resist disease and pests and become lush and healthy. Our soil amendments are a vital portion of a well-crafted turf program. Business owners will increase their results and experience less stress with more profits. Homeowners will grow beautiful lawns with no harmful chemicals.
Can you add too much biochar to soil?
Yes, you can definitely add too much biochar to your soil. While it offers many benefits, moderation is key. Here's why applying excessive biochar can be counterproductive:
- Nutrient competition: Biochar has a high surface area that attracts and holds onto nutrients. While this is good for retaining nutrients for plants, too much biochar can actually compete with them for essential elements like nitrogen. Microbes in the soil will initially utilize this nitrogen to break down the biochar, potentially creating a temporary nitrogen deficiency for plants.
- Soil pH imbalance: Biochar is generally alkaline (opposite of acidic). Adding a large amount can raise the soil pH significantly, making it unsuitable for plants that prefer acidic conditions.
- Water retention issues: While biochar improves water retention in some cases, adding excessively can disrupt the soil's natural drainage. This can lead to waterlogging, which can suffocate plant roots and hinder growth.
- Reduced effectiveness: There's a point of diminishing returns with biochar. Once the soil reaches a saturation point, adding more won't provide additional benefits.
- Follow recommended application rates: Biochar manufacturers typically provide application rate guidelines based on the type of biochar and soil conditions.
- Consider your soil type: Sandy soils benefit more from biochar's water retention properties, while clay soils might not need as much.
- Test your soil pH: If your soil is already alkaline, adding biochar might not be the best course of action.
- Start small and monitor results: Begin with a moderate amount of biochar and observe how your plants respond. You can always add more later if needed.
The Power of Biochar: How Long Does It Take to Charge in Compost?
Understanding Biochar Charging: Beyond the Battery
The term "charging" biochar can be misleading. It creates the impression that biochar is like a battery that needs to be filled with nutrients before use. Here's a breakdown of the inaccuracy:
- Biochar doesn't "hold" nutrients: Biochar's porous structure attracts and holds onto available nutrients in the soil, not necessarily "charging" itself. It creates a reservoir for these nutrients to be readily accessed by plants.
- Focus on surface coating: The beneficial aspect of biochar comes from the development of a microscopically thin, organic coating on its surface. This coating is created by microbes colonizing the biochar and breaking down organic matter in the compost or soil.
The "Charging" Process: Building a Powerhouse for Your Soil
Charging biochar in compost involves integrating it into a compost pile, where it absorbs nutrients and microbes from the decomposing organic matter. This process not only enriches the biochar but also enhances the compost, creating a potent soil amendment that can significantly improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention.
How Long Does It Take? A Timeline for Biochar's Transformation
The time it takes for biochar to charge in compost can vary based on several factors, including the composting conditions, the type of organic materials used, and the specific properties of the biochar. However, as a general guideline:
- Initial Integration: When you first mix biochar into your compost pile, it begins absorbing nutrients and microorganisms almost immediately. Within the first few days to a week, biochar starts to show initial signs of charging.
- Optimal Charging Period: For optimal nutrient absorption and microbial colonization, it is recommended to allow the biochar to sit in the compost for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the biochar will become fully charged, enriched with a wide range of nutrients and beneficial microbes.
- Extended Composting: If your composting process extends beyond 6 weeks, the biochar will continue to charge, potentially increasing its effectiveness. However, most of the significant benefits are achieved within the first 4 to 6 weeks.
Tips for Effective Biochar "Charging": Optimizing the Process
- Moisture Management: Ensure your compost pile remains adequately moist. Biochar's porous nature allows it to retain moisture, which is crucial for microbial activity and nutrient absorption.
- Regular Turning: Turn your compost pile regularly to aerate it and promote even decomposition and nutrient distribution.
- Diverse Organic Materials: Incorporate a diverse range of organic materials into your compost pile. This diversity will provide a broader spectrum of nutrients and microbes for the biochar to absorb.
How does biochar improve soil fertility and structure?
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance created from organic materials through pyrolysis, has become a rising star in the world of sustainable agriculture. Praised for its environmental benefits and contributions to soil health, biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop yield, offering a unique way to boost your garden or farm. At Southland Organics, we’re proud to offer C-Fix Biochar Soil Amendment, a pre-charged and effective solution for unlocking the power of biochar in your soil.
But how exactly does biochar improve soil fertility and structure? Let’s delve into the magic behind this remarkable soil amendment.
Biochar: A Multi-faceted Powerhouse for Your Soil Health
Biochar’s benefits for soil health stem from its unique physical and chemical properties. Here’s how it works:
- Nutrient Retention Champion: Biochar boasts a highly porous structure, acting like a sponge for essential plant nutrients. It attracts and holds onto these nutrients, preventing them from leaching away through rain or irrigation, thereby reducing nutrient leaching. This ensures a steady supply of nutrients available to your plants throughout the growing season, promoting healthy growth and potentially reducing the need for frequent fertilization.
- Moisture Management Marvel: Biochar’s porous nature extends to water retention as well. It acts like a tiny reservoir, absorbing and storing water, which can be especially beneficial in sandy soils prone to drying out. This improved water holding capacity translates to less frequent watering needs and increased drought tolerance for your plants.
- Microbial Playground: Biochar provides a haven for beneficial soil microbes. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, releasing additional nutrients into the soil and improving overall soil health. The porous structure of biochar offers a perfect habitat for these microbes to thrive, further enhancing nutrient cycling within your soil.
- Improved Soil Structure: Biochar can help improve soil structure, particularly in soils prone to compaction or with poor drainage. By creating space within the soil, biochar allows for better aeration and root development, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive plants.
While biochar offers significant benefits, the process of “charging” it through composting can take time. Southland Organics’ C-Fix Biochar Soil Amendment comes pre-charged with beneficial microbes and nutrients, eliminating the waiting period. This means you can reap the rewards of biochar’s soil-enhancing properties as soon as you apply it.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Soil
By incorporating biochar, like C-Fix Biochar Soil Amendment, into your soil management practices, you can create a thriving ecosystem for your plants. Improved nutrient availability, enhanced water retention, a boost in beneficial microbes, and better soil structure all contribute to a healthier and more productive garden plot, higher crop yeilds, and food production to benefit people.
What are the benefits of using biochar as a soil amendment?
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance created by burning organic material at low oxygen levels, offers a surprising number of advantages for soil health. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved water retention: Biochar’s porous structure acts like a sponge, soaking up and holding onto water in the soil. This is particularly helpful in dry climates or for sandy soils that drain quickly.
- Enhanced nutrient availability: Biochar’s surface area is packed with tiny holes and crevices that attract and hold onto nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This reduces nutrient leaching, keeping them available for plants to use.
- Increased crop yields: By improving water retention and nutrient availability, biochar can lead to healthier plant growth and potentially higher crop yields. This is especially true for degraded or nutrient-poor soils.
- Reduced reliance on fertilizers: Because biochar helps retain nutrients in the soil, it can lessen the need for frequent fertilizer applications. This can save farmers money and reduce potential environmental impacts from fertilizer runoff.
- Improved soil health: Biochar can create a more hospitable environment for beneficial soil microbes, which are essential for breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients. This can lead to overall improvements in soil health and fertility.
- Carbon sequestration: Biochar is a stable form of carbon that can be stored in the soil for hundreds or even thousands of years. This helps mitigate climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.