Biochar Partical Size and Determining Proper amount based on size

General Gardening
#1

Hey folks. I am sure I am missing something, but how do we properly measure the right amount of biochar? To use the standard reccomendation of 10% by volume, or even a standard volume measurment, such as a cubic foot, the particle size post grinding\sifting varies based on the mesh size. Knowing that the total \ overall surface area increases by making it smaller, does that change anything?

I get more total char in a 5g bucket at 2mm \ ~1\16" than if I left it at 1/4" or 1/8" which is where I seem to be having trouble getting clear answers. That said:

What is the ideal partical size to use (3/8", 1/4", 1/8", 1/16" etc) and calculate the volume by?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

-Jim

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#2

From what I’ve read in the past (and from a friend who did her master’s research on biochar), the typical preparation is from dried leaves or woodchips pyrolized (but not burned) in a closed container. That would leave you with a small but varied particle size. So, I think you’d be better off with a mix of the smaller particle sizes.

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