Biochar Terra Fertilis : living soil, sustainable cultivation

Introduction: What if the key to fertile soil was... coal?

For a long time, it was thought that a good garden depended on just one thing: fertilizer. Organic or chemical, liquid or granulated, it was the king of the vegetable garden. However, more and more gardeners, farmers and local authorities are discovering another way: that of biochar, a natural soil improver capable of sustainably transforming soil quality, while meeting today's ecological challenges.

Faced with drought, impoverished soils and the need to produce differently, biochar is a solution that's as simple as it is effective. This vegetable charcoal has nothing in common with barbecue charcoal: it acts as a fertile sponge, a soil memory, a reservoir of nutrients. And when combined with mycorrhizae - root-friendly micro-fungi - its effects are even more spectacular.

The return of a forgotten ancestral technique

Biochar is not a modern invention. Ancient Amazonian civilizations already used a version of this charcoal to make their black soil more fertile than that of their neighbors. This "Terra Preta" (black earth) still fascinates agronomists today: more than 1,000 years after it was buried, the soil is still rich and alive.

By rediscovering this technique, adapted to modern practices and certified for organic farming, we're bringing back a natural, sustainable method for improving soil health without chemicals.

A product to meet the challenges of today... and tomorrow

Repeated droughts, lower yields, depletion of soil microbial life, water stress in plantations, the need to limit inputs... Biochar ticks all the boxes:

• It improves water retention capacity

• It increases the soil's natural fertility

• Promotes beneficial microbial life

• Stores carbon in the soil for decades

• Above all, it works for years, unlike conventional fertilizers

What you will discover in this article

In the following lines, you will understand :

• What biochar is and how it's made

• Why it's so beneficial for your soil and plants

• The difference between simple biochar and mycorrhizal biochar

• How to use it properly, whether you're a vegetable gardener, arborist or landscaper

• And finally, why choose biochar Terra Fertilis offered on multitanks.com is a wise choice for the planet... and for your crops

2. What is Biochar? A natural soil improver worth (re)discovering

Biochar is simply charcoal for agricultural use. But please note: it's not a waste product, nor a chimney residue. It's a product deliberately produced to enrich soil in a sustainable, effective and environmentally-friendly way.

A coal like no other

Biochar is obtained from organic plant matter, generally wood residues (such as softwood chips), which are heated to high temperatures (around 500°C) in the absence of oxygen. This process, known as pyrolysis, does not burn the material, but transforms it profoundly.

The result? A black, light, porous material that is ultra-stable in the soil and capable of playing several roles:

• absorb and retain water,

• act as a refuge for beneficial micro-organisms,

• fix nutrients for gradual release,

• limit leaching and groundwater pollution.

Technology inspired by ancient civilizations

The biochar concept is not new. It is inspired by an ancestral practice observed among the peoples of Amazonia. They enriched their land with a vegetable charcoal obtained by hand, forming what is now known as Terra Preta, or "black earth".

These soils, still fertile more than 500 years later, demonstrate the incredible power of this material to regenerate the fertility of impoverished soils, even under difficult conditions.

Biochar ≠ compost ≠ barbecue charcoal

It's important to make the distinction:

• Compost nourishes the soil, but degrades quickly.

• Barbecue charcoal contains too much tar and is not suitable for farming.

• Biochar, on the other hand, structures the soil without decomposing. It acts as an invisible reinforcement that durably improves the soil's ability to nourish plants.

An enriched version: mycorrhizal biochar

At multitanks.com, we also offer an even more complete version: mycorrhizal biochar, i.e. enriched with selected mycorrhizal fungi. These micro-organisms, in symbiosis with the roots, improve water and nutrient absorption, while stimulating plant growth.

It's a true natural synergy, with biochar acting as carrier, reservoir and catalyst. An all-in-one, ready-to-use solution that combines soil structure and active microbial life.

How is biochar made? A controlled, clean and sustainable process

Biochar can't be improvised. To guarantee its benefits and avoid any negative effects on the soil, its manufacture must follow a rigorous process. This is where it all comes into play: a good biochar is first and foremost a well-made biochar.

Pyrolysis: cooking without fire

Biochar comes from a very specific thermal process: pyrolysis, i.e. the slow heating of biomass (wood in most cases), in the absence of oxygen. Unlike conventional combustion, there is no flame here. We're not burning the material: we're transforming it.

Pyrolysis generally takes place at temperatures between 450°C and 700°C, depending on the type of biochar. This treatment will :

• eliminate volatile elements,

• concentrate carbon,

• create a unique porous structure, essential for retaining water and hosting micro-organisms.

A controlled raw material: softwood

The biochar offered on multitanks.com, under the Terra Fertilis brand, is obtained from untreated softwood residues. So it's not industrial coal or dubious by-products, but a material that comes from sustainable sources, with no additives, heavy metals or petrochemical resins.

This wood, which was previously little used, is now transformed into an ecological amendment with high added value.

EBC certification: a guarantee of quality and traceability

To ensure that biochar respects the environment and soil health, the best products like those from Terra Fertilis are EBC (European Biochar Certificate) certified. This European standard guarantees :

• contaminant-free biochar,

• traceable plant origin,

• consistent quality between batches,

• and a favorable carbon footprint, thanks to CO₂ sequestration in the soil.

This is an essential point for organic farmers and home gardeners alike: you know what you're putting into your soil, and why it works.

Eco-responsible manufacturing

Unlike many chemical fertilizers or soil improvers, the production of biochar :

• does not pollute groundwater,

• avoids CO₂ emissions (thanks to clean pyrolysis),

• sequesters carbon in the soil for hundreds of years,

• revalorizes plant waste from a local wood industry.

The result: zero waste, zero negative impact, and lasting benefits for plants, soil... and the environment.

4. What is biochar used for? A super-amendment with multiple effects

Biochar is not a simple "addition" to the soil, like adding a little potting soil or fertilizer. It acts deep down, on the very structure of the soil, over the long term. Its effectiveness is based on a unique combination of physical, chemical and biological properties, making it a genuine catalyst for fertility.

It retains water even in dry weather

Thanks to its porous structure, similar to that of a natural sponge, biochar stores water in the soil and gradually releases it to plants. This is a major advantage, particularly in times of drought or in sandy soils that tend to dry out quickly.

? The result: less watering, fresher soil and plants that are more resistant to water stress.

It captures and releases nutrients

Biochar also acts as a nutrient bank. Instead of fertilizers being washed away by rain, they are fixed in the biochar's micro-cavities. They thus remain available to plants over time.

? The result: more effective organic and mineral inputs, and less waste.

It stimulates microbial life

Biochar does not directly nourish plants, but it does provide an ideal habitat for soil micro-organisms: bacteria, fungi, earthworms... All those invisible allies that break down organic matter and make elements available to roots.

? The result: a living, more balanced soil that promotes plant health without the need for chemical treatments.

Improves soil structure

In heavy soils (clay), it aerates and lightens the texture. In poor or sandy soils, it structures and retains water and nutrients. Whatever the soil type, biochar naturally corrects physical imbalances, something few soil improvers can do.

He has been active for years

Unlike most fertilizers or organic soil improvers, which decompose in a matter of months, biochar remains active in the soil for decades. Its structure is stable, inert and resistant to biological degradation.

? The result: a lasting investment that improves the soil today... and for a long time to come.

In short, biochar is :

• Better water retention

• A reserve of nutrients for plants

• Support for soil microbial life

• Improved soil physical structure

• a sustainable and ecological solution

5. Focus on the mycorrhizal version: an alliance between soil, fungi and plants

Biochar is an excellent soil improver in itself. But when you add mycorrhizae, you've got a whole new dimension. It's a bit like transforming good soil into a living, hyper-connected ecosystem, where every root benefits from an intelligent underground network.

What are mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizae are micro-fungi naturally present in living soils, living in symbiosis with plant roots. By attaching themselves to these roots, they extend their network underground, like a fine, branched web, capable of :

• seek water further and deeper,

• absorb nutrients that roots alone cannot reach,

• stimulate plants'natural defences,

• accelerate plantgrowth, even in difficult conditions.

Natural synergy with biochar

Mycorrhizal biochar combines these micro-fungi with a biochar base. Why does this combination work so well? Because biochar :

• provides an ideal refuge for fungal spores,

• maintains a stable level of humidity,

• reduces external aggressions (drought, leaching, pollution),

• accelerates root colonization.

The result: rapid root establishment, boosted plant growth and greater resilience to climatic or water stress.

Mycorrhizal biochar: for whom, for what?

The mycorrhizal version of biochar Terra Fertilis is available in a range of uses:

• ✅ Vegetable garden and edible plants: better production, stronger roots, less watering

• ✅ Trees, shrubs, hedges: easier establishment, faster recovery, long-lasting growth

• ✅ Lawns and turf: greater density, uniformity of emergence, drought resistance

All formats available at multitanks.com contain a minimum of 50 active propagules per gram, guaranteeing effective colonization from the very first days, without chemical treatments or synthetic fertilizers.

A ready-to-use solution, with no preparation required

Unlike raw biochar, which should be "activated" with compost or manure before use, mycorrhizal biochar is ready to use straight away. The micro-organisms are already integrated and activate on contact with soil and moisture.

There's no need for prior mixing or homemade recipes: just open the bag, apply, and it works on its own.

6. When to use biochar? Wherever the soil needs a boost

Biochar is extremely versatile. Whether you're an amateur gardener, a professional landscaper or a farmer looking for sustainable solutions, you can easily incorporate this amendment into your practices. It can be adapted to almost any context, provided you use the right dosage.

Vegetable garden and planters

Biochar is particularly effective in vegetable crops: tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, strawberries, herbs... It improves soil texture, retains water, prevents nutrient leaching and promotes plant growth.

Ideal for urban or rural gardeners who want to reduce watering and improve their crops naturally, even in poor or compacted soil.

Ornamental trees, hedges and shrubs

When planting fruit trees, ornamental shrubs or hedges, biochar (especially the mycorrhizal version) improves root development, even in difficult or compacted soil. It retains moisture around the root ball and stimulates deeper root development.

A real solution for planting in the ground or in containers, especially in recently laid-out gardens.

Lawns, lawns and reseeding

Biochar for turf (fine granulometry) promotes faster germination and more uniform growth density. It also improves turfgrass resistance to trampling, drought and root diseases.

Very useful when installing a new lawn, but also when overseeding to regenerate a tired lawn.

Planters, pots and soil-less cultivation

In balcony planters and tubs, substrate often tends to dry out or lose nutrients quickly. Biochar helps to structure the soil, limit watering and preserve fertilizers.

The perfect solution for those who like to grow vegetables in squares, pots or home greenhouses.

Agriculture, market gardening and permaculture

Biochar is also used in agricultural practices on a larger scale. It is used in :

• degraded or eroded soils,

• areas subject to water stress,

• rotational or associated cropping systems (with legumes, green manures, etc.),

• organic or transitional production.

It contributes to land regeneration, reduced input requirements and greater resilience in the face of climatic hazards.

Summary of recommended uses :

• ✅ Vegetable gardens

• ✅ Orchards, tree plantations

• ✅ Hedges, beds and ornamental plants

• ✅ Lawns and green spaces

• ✅ Soil-less cultivation in pots and window boxes

• ✅ Impoverished or compacted soils

• ✅ Organic farming and diversified market gardening

7. What biochar does for your soil (and your wallet)

When you invest in a product for your garden or crops, you're looking for two things: efficiency and profitability. Biochar ticks both boxes. It doesn't just have an immediate effect on soil quality, it transforms the way it works over the long term, with positive spin-offs for your plants... and your budget.

A richer, more balanced, more self-sufficient soil

Biochar doesn't deliver nitrogen or potassium directly, as a fertilizer would. But it optimizes the way the soil uses what it is given. It creates an environment where nutrients circulate better, water remains available longer, and micro-organisms work continuously.

The result: your inputs (fertilizers, compost, slurries, etc.) are put to better use, and your plants get the most out of what you give them.

Less watering = tangible savings

Thanks to its microporous structure, biochar retains water like a sponge. It reduces watering frequency, especially in summer or in dry areas.

For a vegetable garden or lawn, this represents several dozen liters saved per m² per week, and a significant reduction in your water consumption.

Exceptional duration of action

A conventional fertilizer works for a few weeks or months. Biochar, on the other hand, remains active in the soil for several years, sometimes even decades. It does not decompose, evaporate or disappear: it provides lasting soil structure.

It's a long-term investment: a single application can be enough to improve soil fertility for seasons to come.

More resistant plants = fewer treatments

A balanced, living soil, well structured thanks to biochar, gives birth to plants :

• more resistant to fungal diseases,

• less sensitive to water stress,

• better able to withstand cold or hot spells.

Fewer treatments, fewer losses, more harvests, with fewer interventions.

A good gesture for the planet... and for your finances

As well as being effective in the field, biochar contributes to soil carbon sequestration. It stores CO₂ sustainably, helps combat global warming, and promotes more virtuous agricultural or gardening practices.

By choosing biochar, you're making a profitable, responsible and sustainable choice.

8. How to use biochar properly Simplified instructions for use

There's nothing complicated about using biochar, but to get the most out of it, it's essential to follow a few basic rules. Depending on whether it's raw or mycorrhized, application methods differ slightly. Here's what you need to know to use it effectively in your garden or plantations.

Raw biochar: recommended activation

Raw biochar is highly porous, which is an excellent thing... provided it doesn't "steal" nutrients from your soil when incorporated. That's why we recommend loading it with nutrients before use.

Possible activation methods :

• mix with mature compost for 2 to 3 weeks,

• moisten with nettle, comfrey or compost tea,

• or simply soak it in a mixture of water + organic fertilizer.

The aim is to saturate the biochar's pores so that they immediately benefit the roots, rather than absorbing surrounding nutrients.

Mycorrhizal biochar: ready to use

The mycorrhizal biochar sold on multitanks.com is already enriched with beneficial mushroom propagules, and requires no prior activation. Simply apply it directly to the soil at the time of planting or amendment.

It's the ideal solution for gardeners in a hurry or those who want a turnkey product.

Recommended dosage according to use

Here are some simple guidelines for the correct dosage of biochar:

These quantities may vary slightly depending on the initial richness of the soil and your objectives (maintenance or regeneration).

Mixing, burying and watering

Whatever type of biochar you use, it's important to incorporate it properly into the soil. Leaving it on the surface exposes it to the wind and reduces its effectiveness.

✅ The right gestures :

• Mix thoroughly into the soil or substrate over the first 15 to 20 cm,

• Water thoroughly after incorporation (especially in dry climates),

• Avoid burying too deeply (it's not a base fertilizer).

When should it be applied?

Biochar can be applied at any time of year, but the most effective periods are :

• in spring, when sowing or planting,

• inautumn, to regenerate the soil before winter.

It can also be incorporated when preparing soil for lawns or vegetable gardens, or when planting young trees.

9. Why choose biochar Terra Fertilis? Controlled quality for your soils

Not all biochar products are created equal. Some have low porosity, others are not activated, and still others are made from poor-quality or uncertified wood. With the Terra Fertilisrange, offered on multitanks.com, you can choose a professional, safe and effective biochar, designed to bring measurable benefits to your crops.

100% natural, controlled composition

Terra Fertilis biochar is made from 90% carefully selected, untreated softwood, and recycled using a clean pyrolysis process. No industrial waste, no additives, no pollutants.

This is your guarantee of a healthy plant amendment suitable for all types of soil and crops, including organic farming.

Certified performance

Terra Fertilis biochar complies with EBC (European Biochar Certificate) standards, one of the strictest in Europe. This certification guarantees :

• traceability of raw materials,

• absence of heavy metals or toxic compounds,

• laboratory-tested efficacy.

It's a guarantee of quality, consistency and safety for all users, from private individuals to professional farmers.

The right particle size for every application

Terra Fertilis offers several types of biochar depending on requirements:

• 1 to 2 mm: ideal for lawns, turf and reseeding,

• 2 to 4 mm: perfect for vegetable gardens, trees and flower beds,

• Mycorrhizal ready-to-use formats: vegetable gardens, trees/shrubs, lawns..

No wastage, no dosage errors: you choose the right formula for your soil and your plants, without complicating your life.

A complete, high-performance mycorrhizal version

The active mycorrhizae-enriched versions of Terra Fertilis are designed for immediate effectiveness. They contain a minimum of 50 propagules per gram, guaranteeing rapid root colonization and a visible improvement in growth.

It's an all-in-one solution, with no mixing, no waiting, and works right from the first use.

A product available in several formats at multitanks.com

Whether you need a small bag for your balcony or a 5 kg format for your garden, the Terra Fertilis range adapts to your surface area:

• Mycorrhizal vegetable garden: 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2.5 kg

• Trees and shrubs: 500 g, 1 kg, 2.5 kg

• Biochar Trilis granulometry 1-2 mm or 2-4 mm : 5 kg

All these products are available directly from multitanks.com, with fast shipping and personalized advice on request.

10. Frequently asked questions / Common objections

Despite its many advantages, biochar can still raise questions. That's understandable: it's relatively new to many gardeners and farmers. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions, to help you sort things out.

"Is biochar like barbecue charcoal?"

No, absolutely not. Barbecue charcoal is designed to burn and generate heat, often using treated wood and even toxic additives. Biochar is a clean, stabilized, non-flammable plant product, produced cold without oxygen, solely for soil conditioning. It is neither polluting nor harmful to plants.

"Does it change the pH of the soil?"

Biochar Terra Fertilis has an alkaline pH (around 8), but in practice, it doesn't raise the overall pH much if you stick to the recommended dosages. It acts as a natural buffer, correcting excess soil acidity without destabilizing it. On neutral or slightly acid soil, it brings stability.

"Is there a risk of overdosing?"

No, biochar is not a fertilizer: it doesn't provide any direct nutrients, so there's no risk of burning your plants. On the other hand, too much non-activated (raw) biochar can slow growth if it absorbs too much nitrogen. That's why we pre-activate it or opt for the ready-to-use mycorrhizal version. Just follow the dosage instructions, and you'll be fine.

"Can it be used in organic farming?"

Yes, that's right. Terra Fertilis biochar is 100% natural and approved for use in organic farming, in accordance with European regulation CE 2018/848. It is even recommended for soil regeneration in organic farming, in combination with compost or manure.

"What if my soil is already fertile?"

Even in already rich soil, biochar structures, stabilizes and prolongs fertility. It limits nutrient leaching and strengthens soil resilience in the face of climatic hazards (drought, excess water, etc.). In other words, it protects your soil over the long term, even if things are going well today.

11. Conclusion & call to action: a simple solution for living soil

Biochar, and even more so in its mycorrhizal version, is not a gardening gimmick. It's a sustainable, natural, multi-purpose soil improver that responds to a reality that all gardeners, amateur and professional alike, can see for themselves: our soils are becoming depleted.

Whether you're growing a few tomatoes on your balcony or tending an orchard, you need soil :

• retains water,

• feeds your plants continuously,

• that stays alive, even in midsummer,

• and helps you do more with less: less watering, less fertilizing, fewer treatments.

Biochar delivers all this. It works slowly but surely, in depth, and its effects are amplified over time. It's a smart investment, both for the fertility of your crops and the overall health of your ecosystem.

Take action today

On multitanks.com, you will find a complete range of biochar Terra Fertilis, either raw or enriched with mycorrhizae, depending on your needs:

• For your vegetable garden: Try the 500 g or 1 kg mycorrhizal bag.

• For your trees and hedges: Opt for the 2.5 kg versions.

• For your lawn: The 5 kg format in fine granulometry (1-2 mm) is perfect.

All products are :

• ready to use,

• made from sustainable plant materials,

• safe for wildlife, children and pets,

• compatible with organic farming.

Give your soil what it's always been waiting for: a return to its natural balance.

Try biochar now, and see the difference in just one season.