A Alex DePillis 4 years ago Same question at LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pyrolist2019_using-biochar-to-prevent-algal-growth-blog-activity-6699705058424188928-tt7l = = > Whose bags with whose biochar are these? How many bags in what amount of water? What is the goal for reducing phosphorus, i.e. what percent reduction? What happens to the bags when you’re finished? < = =
P phadmin 4 years ago Thanks so much for reading our blog! We’ve provided answers to each of your questions below. If you have any additional questions or if you’d like assistance, please contact us: https://www.princetonhydro.com/contact/ Whose bags with whose biochar are these? We get the bags and the biochar from BioChar Now, and we assemble the bags ourselves. How many bags in what amount of water? If you’re using the bags in a body of water (i.e. lake, pond, reservoir), BioChar Now suggests six to eight bags per acre. If you’re using the bags in a stream, simply line the entire width of the stream with the bags. What is the goal for reducing phosphorus, i.e. what percent reduction? Studies done by BioChar Now have shown a 98% reduction rate in phosphorus and approx. 95% reduction in nitrogen. But, it is important to note that reduction rates are influenced by the water’s contact time with the biochar socks. In a stream environment, 98% reduction will not be achieved because water is simply passing through. In small pond applications, comparatively, it is possible to achieve a 98% reduction rate because the water has more contact time with the biochar before going over the outlet structure and down the stream. What happens to the bags when you’re finished? BioChar Now recommends replacing the socks every 3-6 months for most waterbodies. In a stream scenario, the biochar bags can be used longer. The biochar socks are non-toxic so they can be simply thrown away or the biochar material can be used as fertilizer. The biochar stores all the phosphorus and nitrogen it absorbs from the water. Simply open the socks and spread the material in your lawn or garden as fertilizer. Added bonus: the phosphorus is locked up in the char, so even during a heavy rain event, the phosphorus will not run off the lawn as with other standard fertilizers.
P phadmin 4 years ago Thanks so much for reading our blog! We’ve provided answers to each of your questions below. If you have any additional questions or if you’d like assistance, please contact us: https://www.princetonhydro.com/contact/ Whose bags with whose biochar are these? We get the bags and the biochar from BioChar Now, and we assemble the bags ourselves. How many bags in what amount of water? If you’re using the bags in a body of water (i.e. lake, pond, reservoir), BioChar Now suggests six to eight bags per acre. If you’re using the bags in a stream, simply line the entire width of the stream with the bags. What is the goal for reducing phosphorus, i.e. what percent reduction? Studies done by BioChar Now have shown a 98% reduction rate in phosphorus and approx. 95% reduction in nitrogen. But, it is important to note that reduction rates are influenced by the water’s contact time with the biochar socks. In a stream environment, 98% reduction will not be achieved because water is simply passing through. In small pond applications, comparatively, it is possible to achieve a 98% reduction rate because the water has more contact time with the biochar before going over the outlet structure and down the stream. What happens to the bags when you’re finished? BioChar Now recommends replacing the socks every 3-6 months for most waterbodies. In a stream scenario, the biochar bags can be used longer. The biochar socks are non-toxic so they can be simply thrown away or the biochar material can be used as fertilizer. The biochar stores all the phosphorus and nitrogen it absorbs from the water. Simply open the socks and spread the material in your lawn or garden as fertilizer. Added bonus: the phosphorus is locked up in the char, so even during a heavy rain event, the phosphorus will not run off the lawn as with other standard fertilizers.
P Princeton Hydro 2 years ago Thanks for our comment, Ryan. We are using a product from a company called Biochar Now in Colorado. They sell the biochar and sock material as well. With regards to your question, “does there need to be flow in the pond?” our answer is: not necessarily. The biochar removes more nutrients when it has more contact time with the water. Stagnant water isn’t good for your pond, but slower flows and flushing rates are better for the biochar’s nutrient removal capabilities. I hope this helps! Please contact us for any additional info.
B Bob Scrivens 8 months ago So happy to see us heading in a better direction. Now we have to address the overuse of petrochemical fertilizers.
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