A clear, factual overview for growers, gardeners, landscapers, and hydroponic users.
Liquid biochar is a flowable, activated form of biochar. Like traditional biochar, it is created by heating organic material in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis), but it is then processed into a fine liquid suspension that can be easily applied to soil. This form allows biochar’s carbon-rich, porous structure to be delivered directly to the root zone instantly, without the handling issues of dry biochar.
In many cases, the term liquid biocarbon is simply used to describe advanced or enriched forms of liquid biochar. These products combine liquid biochar with additional organic carbon compounds, nutrients, or microbial stimulants. For practical purposes, both terms refer to carbon-rich liquid soil conditioners designed to improve soil health and plant performance.
Liquid biochar and liquid biocarbon are used across agriculture, home gardening, hydroponics, landscaping, revegetation, and turf management for their ability to improve soil structure, nutrient efficiency, and water retention.
How It Works
Improved nutrient and water retention
The fine biochar particles suspended in the liquid act as tiny sponges inside the soil. They hold onto water and dissolved nutrients, making them available to roots for longer and reducing nutrient loss through leaching. This improves fertiliser efficiency and strengthens root development.
Enhanced microbial activity
Biochar provides an ideal habitat for beneficial microbes. Many liquid formulations are enriched with microbial stimulants or organic compounds, helping to rapidly boost microbial activity in the root zone. A more active soil biology means improved nutrient cycling and healthier plant ecosystems.
Nutrient delivery
Liquid biochar can carry nutrients, trace elements, enzymes, and organic compounds directly to the root zone. Because the biochar particles hold onto these materials, they are released steadily, improving nutrient availability over time and reducing the need for repeated fertiliser inputs.
Instant application
Unlike dry biochar, which must be mixed, soaked, or integrated into the soil over time, liquid biochar is pre-activated. It can be applied immediately, and the fine particles move quickly through the soil profile, coating the root zone evenly. This gives visible improvements in plant vigor faster than traditional biochar.
Key Benefits
Boosts soil health
Liquid biochar enhances soil structure, aeration, and overall fertility by increasing organic carbon levels. This helps create a stable, long-term growing environment with improved resilience.
Increases nutrient availability
By capturing and holding nutrients in the root zone, liquid biochar reduces fertiliser wastage while making more nutrients accessible to plants. Many users report the ability to cut fertiliser use significantly over time.
Improves water retention
Soils treated with liquid biochar can hold more water and stay moist for longer. This reduces irrigation needs, prevents water stress, and increases plant resilience during dry periods.
Versatile application
Liquid biochar works across a wide range of soil types—including clays, sands, loams—and in many environments. It is commonly used in:
• Broadacre farming
• Market gardens
• Orchards and vineyards
• Turf and landscaping
• Urban green spaces
• Home gardens
• Container plants
• Hydroponics and fertigation systems
Its compatibility with standard watering equipment makes it simple to integrate into any system.
How to Use
Dilute with water
Follow the product’s instructions to prepare the correct dilution. Most liquid biochar concentrates are mixed with water before application to ensure even distribution.
Apply to soil
Once diluted, apply the mixture directly to the soil around plants. It can be used via watering cans, hoses, spray systems, fertigators, or irrigation lines. Watering it in helps the particles penetrate deeper into the soil.
For pot plants
A average guideline is 3 mL of liquid biochar per litre of water, applied every two weeks for potplants. This supports nutrient balance, moisture retention, and microbial activity in potting mixes.
For general soil improvement
A 50-100mL pre-plant application can be used to establish a long-lasting carbon base in new beds, lawns, fields, or degraded soil. This is typically followed by smaller maintenance doses throughout the season. Heavier initial applications help condition the soil and set up long-term structure and fertility improvements.