Thimna MatikaWhen logs of wood are heated to temperatures above 400 degrees Celsius without the presence of oxygen, charred wood is created.
Charcoal is easily recognized as a lightweight, rough, black substance that ignites to produce red-hot embers. It’s frequently used as fuel for grilling, cooking, and apparently gardening. However, knowing which kind of charcoal is best for plants before we begin using it in the garden is important.
Different types of charcoal
Horticultural charcoal
Horticultural charcoal and activated carbon are produced in a similar way but heated and processed differently. Horticultural charcoal is not processed and heated at lower temperatures, which makes it a more porous filtration medium.
It can be made of various materials, but hardwoods are best to use in gardening because it is cheap and burn at a lower temperature.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is made when wood is heated at high temperatures and processed. It’s absorbent and used in medicine and industrial processes for adsorption and water purification.
Available in powdered, tablet, or mold state. Available in powder, tablets, or molds. It is safe to use activated charcoal in the garden, although it’s not cheap.
Image credit: Pixabay
Grill or BBQ charcoal
Grill charcoal is created by heating things like coconut husks, sawdust, and bamboo where there’s no oxygen. This process turns them into briquettes by pressing them together. Even though this charcoal is eco-friendly, the additives it has make it unfit for plant use.
Image credit: Pixabay
Biochar
Biochar is a type of charcoal suited for gardens. It’s made from leftover bits from farming and food production, including animal waste and remains.
Biochar comes in small pieces that are easy to mix with soil. It is safe for gardens, but it can be quite costly.
Image credit: Pixabay
The uses of charcoal extend far beyond the braai and into the garden bed. Certain forms of charcoal have been used in sustainable gardening due to a variety of benefits, including enhanced drainage and aeration and encouraging healthy microbial life.
The most popular among gardeners are horticultural charcoal and biochar, though not all charcoal is plant-safe, including additive-based grill briquettes. The selection of the ideal form of charcoal can encourage healthy and natural gardening, whether this is in a container or extending your vegetable garden.
ALSO SEE: EFFECTIVE WAYS TO WARM YOUR BATHROOM THIS WINTER
Image credit: Pixabay
