Ann Arbor Biochar will present an educational display at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, beginning at 8 a.m., May 5. Owner Patrick Schoen says, “Gardeners preparing their soils for spring will want to know the benefits of including organic biochar in their soils. Peer-reviewed scientific studies show that biochar increases water retention in sandy soils by 92 percent, while providing better drainage in clay soils by 300 percent. Biochar retains nutrients in the plant root zone while cutting back on leaching, and provides the perfect habitat for the all-important microbial life in the soil help to maintain a healthy food web in your soil which stems disease.”

A scientific meta-analysis of biochar has shown a 10 to 14 percent increase in crop yields while using less fertilizer. Biochar is a carbon- negative product and a tool to combat climate change. Schoen, a gardener for 50 years, graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in natural resources and earned an M.S. in environmental science from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to starting the Ann Arbor Biochar Company, he is also a member of Citizens Climate Lobby.

 

Admission is free. Location: 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. For more information, call 419-450-1266 or visit AnnArborBiochar.com.