The Blog for Everything Biochar

Bottom Up Blog

The Biochar Network Africa is a great place to ask, support and guide each other… but it isn’t too great for storing knowledge. “Check out previous posts” or “Scroll down, there is a graphic that explains it” has become my answer to many questions.

So in the spirit of making biochar easily accessible, may I present: The Bottom Up Blog!

For everyone who was told to check previous posts, for those of you who don’t have Facebook and for me to keep track of the information I put out. Have fun reading, learning, growing together.

This graphics gives step by step insturctions on how to use biochar in nursery trays and pots. On the right there is a picture of tomato seedlings in small pots. On the left are the three steps that read: First, charge your biochar. Second, mix biochar and soil in a ratio of one to nine. Three, fill your pots or trays with the biochar-soil mixture and plant into them.

Using Biochar in your Nursery…

Using biochar in your nursery enhances seed germination in several...

Olivia ThierleyOctober 16, 2020

The graphic compares the differences between soil enhancers and fertilizers. The left side defines the characteristics of a soil enhancer as being permanent and adding structure to the soil. The example given is biochar. The right side defines the characteristics of fertilizers as temporary and adding nutrients to the soil. The example given is NPK.

Soil Enhancer vs. Fertilizer

Fertilizer and soil enhancer have two completly different roles in...

Olivia ThierleySeptember 17, 2020

This picture shows the title page of the practical biochar guide.

Biochar – Practical Guide (for printing)

6 pages – all the information you need to get...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

Biochar – Practical Guide

6 pages – all the information you need to get...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

This is a title graphic that says: Seven ways to charge your biochar. The background is dark green and the seedling icon of bottom-up-biochar is in the corner.

7 Ways to Charge Biochar

There are endless ways to charge biochar, but they all...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

This is a graphic that explain how to charge biochar as a bedding. On the right side there is a picture of chicken. On the left side are two steps that descripe how to charge biochar as bedding. First, Substitute your bedding with biochar. Second, the biochar charges with the animal droppings. Use it after changing the bedding.

Charging as Bedding

Here are 2 steps to charge biochar as bedding. Charging...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

This is a graphic that explain how to charge biochar with urine. On the right side there is a picture of some metal buckets. On the left side are three steps that descripe how to charge biochar with urine. First, put your biochar in a container. Second, add urine until the biochar starts floating. Third, let it set for a minimum of three days and keep it wet.

Charging with Urine

Here are 2 steps to charge biochar with urine. Charging...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

This is a graphic that explain how to charge biochar by mulching. On the right side there is a picture of grass. On the left side are two steps that descripe how to charge biochar by mulching. First, use biochar and grass cuttings in a ratio one to ten by volume. Second use it as mulch and apply a thin layer around your plants.

Charging by Mulching

Here are 2 steps to charge biochar by mulching. Charging...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 15, 2020

This is a graphic that explain how to charge biochar by co-compost. On the right side there is a picture of compost. On the left side are three steps that descripe how to charge biochar by co-compost. First, add biochar to your compost pile over time. Second, biochar should be less than 50% of the pile. Third the biochar is charged when the compost is ready.

Charging by Co-Composting

Here are 3 steps to charge biochar by co-composting. Charging...

Olivia ThierleyAugust 14, 2020

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You are passionate about biochar, regenerative farming or empowerment? You got a topic that needs an audience? I am happy to give you the plattform for it. Send me a message if you are interested in writing a guest post.

You like the content that I am posting? You have your own website or blog? It also works the other way around… I am always happy to reach a larger audience. Send me a message if you are interested in me writing a guest post.

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Posts aren't enough!

Check out my ideas for future projects and find out how you can contribute…

Until then: Join the Biochar Network Africa!

…a Facebook group for everyone interested in small-scale, low-tech and practical biochar production. All my content is also postet there and you can find great discussions about biochar making, charing and application. See you there!