MASH Makes researchers recently tested biochar, a carbon-rich soil enhancer, on three staple crops in one of the toughest farming environments in India. The results are in: biochar can significantly boost crop yields, but only when used in the right amounts. 

Improving yields in a tough farming environment

The Beed district of Maharashtra, where these trials were conducted, is no stranger to agricultural challenges. With a history of chronic drought, falling water tables, and frequent crop failures, farmers in this region face significant hurdles. Water scarcity, low irrigation levels, and soil degradation caused by years of intensive farming, have left much of the land unproductive. Many smallholders struggle to achieve consistent yields, and seasonal unemployment during the dry season drives migration to other districts in search of work.

The most recent trial data from Beed shows that MASH Makes’ biochar trials offer a potential lifeline to farmers in this distressed environment. Crops treated with biochar showed greatly improved yields, when compared to those farmed just with fertiliser.

Here’s what we learned:

• Wheat: Applying 2 tons of biochar per acre resulted in a 33.81% increase in seed weight and a 35.08% increase in biomass. 
• Onions: The optimal biochar application was 4 tons per acre, which increased bulb weight by 36.24% and biomass by 26.31%. 
• Chickpeas: At 2 tons per acre, seed weight increased by 27.44% and biomass by 21.86%. 

Drone footage from the trials shows the remarkable transformation of trial fields in Devgaon. Once dry and barren, these plots now flourish with healthier crops and richer soil, offering a powerful visual of biochar’s impact. In an area plagued by low water retention and soil depletion, biochar is helping restore agricultural productivity and offering a sustainable path forward for struggling farmers.

Lower Rates, Bigger Impact

One of the most important findings from our trials is that applying the right amount of biochar is crucial for boosting crop yields. While 2 tons per acre worked best for many crops, the goal is to find the most effective rate to achieve maximum benefits without overspending. Using too little may not provide the full advantage, while using too much can lead to resource waste and soil imbalance.

Although not the primary focus, our research also examined how biochar interacts with chemical fertilisers. The combination resulted in plants taking up more nutrients, further improving overall crop performance. This finding suggests that using biochar alongside fertilisers could reduce the need for chemical inputs, making farming more sustainable and cost-effective.

What’s in it for the farmers?

The study showed that for farmers, biochar offers several key benefits:

1. Soil health and crop productivity: By enhancing soil structure and nutrient retention, biochar can lead to better yields and healthier crops over multiple years. Using biochar at an optimal rate (2 tons per acre) showed promising improvements in soil quality and crop yields in the trials. 
2. More profits: Initial trials suggest that biochar can be an effective investment when used in moderate quantities, leading to a balance between input costs and crop yield benefits. Though a higher application rate didn’t yield enough increase in crops like onions, a lower, optimised application has proven cost-effective for several other crops.
3. Long-Term Benefits: Biochar’s effects last beyond just one planting season. Our multi-season biochar trials show that yield benefits extending up to three years. This can result in long-term gains that improve financial returns over time.

Why Choose MASH Makes Biochar?

These results show that MASH Makes biochar is a proven, research-backed soil amendment that:

• Increases crop yields while improving soil health and water retention.
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, leading to cost savings and more sustainable farming.
• Provides long-lasting soil benefits, ensuring greater productivity for years to come.

Our field trials show that even smallholders can achieve better crop yields with just 2 tons of biochar per acre, lowering input costs and improving profitability. The ability to apply biochar at optimal rates makes it accessible for farms of all sizes, providing a competitive edge in today’s increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.

Ready to boost your yields with MASH Makes Biochar?

Whether you're a smallholder farmer or part of a larger agricultural enterprise, MASH Makes biochar offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution to improve your yields and soil health. Contact us below to request a trial or sample and see the difference for yourself.

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And for a closer look at the results...

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