Remarkably, 2.5 years after a single application, our biochar is still enhancing yields for farmers in India.

Our fifth season of biochar trials in India’s Ambajogai region continues to highlight our biochar’s effectiveness in improving crop yields and soil health. This latest season’s results show a 23% increase in chickpea yields, further validating biochar’s long-term benefits.  

Building on four seasons of success

MASH Makes, in partnership with MANAVLOK, is conducting one of the longest-running biochar studies, tracking its effects over multiple growing cycles. Previous trials demonstrated biochar’s ability to boost yields even in drought conditions, and Season 5 provides further insights into its performance under varying environmental factors.

This season's trial focused on chickpeas, a key crop in the region. The results continued to show yield improvements:

• Control Plot: 551.48 kg/acre

• Biochar-Treated (4 ton/acre): 678.24 kg/acre

• Yield Increase: 23%

• Neighboring Plot (non-trial): 400-600 kg/acre

Economic and agricultural benefits

Across five seasons, biochar-treated fields have consistently outperformed control plots, leading to a net income increase of 68.9%. This return is especially compelling under our Pay-as-you-go pricing model—$120 per ton, payable over five years—making biochar adoption more accessible to farmers.  

That makes biochar is a long-term investment in sustainability. Unlike synthetic fertilisers that offer short-lived nutrient boosts, biochar enhances soil fertility season after season. Additionally, its carbon sequestration properties help combat climate change by storing carbon in the soil for decades.

MASH Makes remains committed to expanding biochar applications and supporting farmers in maximising its benefits. With each season’s success, we move closer to making biochar a mainstream solution for resilient, sustainable farming.  

Understanding biochar’s impact – and its limits

While biochar shows great potential, results can vary. In our trial, Plot 2 (2 tons/acre biochar) saw only a 1% yield increase, possibly due to a Fusarium Wilt outbreak. Meanwhile, Plot 3 (4 tons/acre) maintained better yields, suggesting that higher biochar levels may help suppress the disease by:

• Encouraging beneficial microbes (e.g., Trichoderma, Pseudomonas) that combat Fusarium.

• Boosting plant immunity via natural defense pathways.

• Absorbing harmful toxins like fusaric acid through its porous structure.

However, farmers couldn’t confirm Fusarium as the cause of yield differences. As always, context matters—biochar works best when tailored to soil conditions, crop type, and local challenges.

Visit our biochar research page to learn more about our trials.

‍