Research & Field Trials

Evidence

Comprehensive field trial data demonstrating biochar's measurable impact on crop yields and soil health across both Field Crops and Horticultural Crops.

Field Crops

Maize, wheat and other grain crops showing consistent yield improvements in trials across Southern Africa.

Type of Crop Optimal Application Quantity Yield Changes compared to Normal Fertilisers Other Benefits
Maize 5 MT / ha
Field Trials: Grain Yield increased by up to 23%
Average: Grain Yield increased by around 10%
  • Increases Soil pH
  • Increases Nutrient Availability
  • Decreases Soil Bulk Density
  • Improves Microbial Activity in Soil and Roots
  • Reduces Drop in Transpiration (Water Loss through Leaves) during Dry Spells
  • Improves Drought Tolerance
Wheat 5 MT / ha
Field Trials: Grain Yield increased by up to 24%
Average: Grain Yield increased by around 9%
  • Increases Soil pH
  • Increases Soil Nutrient Content
  • Decreases Soil Bulk Density
  • Improves Microbial Activity in Soils and Roots
  • Improves Drought Tolerance
Other Grains 2 MT / ha
Field Trials: Grain Yield increased by up to 31%
Average: Grain Yield increased by between 3% and 11%

In general, 5–10 MT application rates per Hectare provide the best Yield Improvements.

Horticultural Crops

High-value crops including legumes, vegetables, tomatoes, vineyards and root crops demonstrating significant yield and quality benefits.

Type of Crop Optimal Application Quantity Yield Changes compared to Normal Fertilisers Other Benefits
Legumes 1.6 MT / ha Average: Yield increased by around 27%
  • Improves drought tolerance
  • Improves plant water availability
Vegetables 1.6 MT / ha Average: Yield increased by around 15%
  • Decreases incidences of disease
  • Reduces water consumption by up to 80%
Tomatoes 3 MT / ha Average: Plant Growth increased by between 15% and 20%
  • Halved disease mortality rate
Vineyards 10 MT / ha Yield increased by up to 29% after the second season
  • Increases soil organic matter content
Tubers & Bulbs 1.6 MT / ha Average: Yield increased by around 9%

In general, 5–10 MT application rates per Hectare provide the best Yield Improvements.

Tree Crops

Research indicates that biochar application can significantly enhance tree growth, with studies showing an average 41% increase in growth rate, particularly during early growth stages. Australian field trials demonstrated that biochar-treated apple trees produced fruits weighing 20 grams each, without compromising firmness or sugar content. Similarly, trials in avocado orchards reported improved tree growth rates of up to 26% and an increase in fruit count by as much as 96%.

Key Yield Highlights

Maximum yield improvements recorded in field trials across all crop types

31%
Other Grains
Field trial maximum
29%
Vineyards
After 2nd season
27%
Legumes
Average yield increase
24%
Wheat
Field trial maximum
23%
Maize
Field trial maximum

Ready to Improve Your Yields?

Contact us to discuss the right biochar application rates for your specific crop and soil conditions.