@BrianDougherty very interesting. Looking at both of the responses that we gathered from experts in the field, it looks as if there are conflicting perspectives, if I’m understanding correctly. According to Dr. Laird at Iowa State University, it will not be stable in the soil profile in a sandy soil, but leach out. If I am understanding Dr. Mayhew correctly, it does hold stable through those noted modes as well as simply adding to the bulk density of the soil. Interesting. I am inclined to try it and see how we go. I wonder what humic product Dr. Mayhew would suggest if Humacarb is not the appropriate product.

In any case, this is a really interesting topic. Biochar seems to have some interesting properties that are related to improving CEC on a sandy soil, but it is difficult to make sure I am getting quality information on it. I believe getting quality information on it is also the problem for many researchers, lol- because of the tremendous variability in production and biochar product. For instance, biochar sitting in a sealed container on a shelf is not the same biochar that went into the container 6 months ago. I think I will apply some biochar in a test plot, and see if we can get a sustained CEC bump over a period of years. I’ll have to find some time to fit making an oven in.