Challenge Tackled

• The use of biological inoculants to coat seeds is limited in current agricultural practice.
• The major technical barrier is the limited time (24hrs) between applying the inoculant and sowing the seed.
• If this time could be extended the application of inoculants on farm could be practical with less associated risk.
• The efficacy of the biological treatment could be increased by the use of biochar.

Target group, beneficiaries or clients

1. Regenerative Farmers, Biological Farmers, Horticulture
2. Seed companies
3. Biochar producers

Solution

• The solution was trialled in 2022 with spring barley trial as well as OST and cover crops.
• A technical solution was developed to process the biochar to make the biochar application compatible with existing equipment.
• The biochar is integrated with nutrients, biostimulants and micro-biology and applied in the rooting zone of the crop.
• This will enhance the storage capabilities of the treated seed and increase the likelihood of micro-biology surviving application to seed.
• The application of biochar in this application enhances the immediate agronomy of the crop, while also having the long term positive effect on subsequent crops by being placed within the rooting zone of the crops

Innovation

• Integrating biochar into mainstream agriculture
• Application of biochar which can be utilised over a very wide area and at scale
• Facilitates other regenerative practices and allows for their practical application
• Combination of instant agronomic benefit and long term benefits of soil health and CO2 sequestration

Unique Selling Point

• Instant visual effects
• Benefits exceeding carbon sequestration of biochar
• Applicable at scale

Impact

• Visual effect of regenerative practice can inspire a farmer to adopt regenerative practices.
• Inspiring agricultural sector to adopt practices that reduce fungicide application and increase soil health.
• Inspire industry to adopt CO2 sequestration alternatives current detrimental practices to soil health.
• It can also be combined with farmer learning of regenerative practices and demonstrate the positive effects of biochar.

Feasibility/Transferability

• It has a very high transferability since biological seed treatments are available and can be used in different contexts and environments.
• It is relatively easy to be produced once the biochar is available. The biological treatments can be purchased from existing stakeholders.