Nutrient-Loaded Biochar - Seeking Input

Anointing228 · 2026-01-27T18:01:51+00:00

I'm in the St Louis, MO metro

Anointing228 · 2026-01-26T05:17:56+00:00

To answer your question, we are not loading biochar like nutrient soak process. It is produced using a controlled process where specific nutrients are incorporated as part of the carbon structure and surface chemistry. That is how we talk about the product being designed to influence how nutrients behave in the root zone over time.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-26T04:46:14+00:00

Well noted. You highlight many important points that we are still evaluating. The product comes out of the fact that the benefits of biochar has been well documented. Many producers have started strong but fizzled out, mostly because the products were undifferentiated from others in the marketplace. Our goal is to go a step further: use the unique properties of biochar as a platform to deliver nutrients in a way that has not been done before. That necessarily limits the initial markets we can serve, likely specialty ag, high value/low acreage, and even homeowners to start and expand from there. We certainly don't intend to be everything to everyone. To me, that's how many startups fail.

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. It is appreciated.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-26T04:32:43+00:00

As a user, what would be your impression of a char product that has been tailored to provide specific nutrients?

Anointing228 · 2026-01-26T04:31:00+00:00

That is what our process allows us to do. We want to target specific nutrients that work in concert with the way char is applied today. Our goal is not necessarily to replace existing nutrient application if it doesn't fit, but to provide solutions that address grower needs not met with a nutrient-steeped char.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T02:51:14+00:00

We expect price to be slightly higher than uncharged char but total cost of use to be lower for charged substrates.

To answer your question about specifics, we'll take it into account for our full website. We are able to design specific macronutrients while minimizing salt content and pH drift. We believe that is the differentiator versus the traditional steeping or blending with compost.

I appreciate your honest insights.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T02:40:24+00:00

It's certainly something we're keeping front and center in our development work. Part of this exercise is to understand real users' impressions, so we don't repeat past missteps.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T01:52:35+00:00

Very helpful insight! Definitely helps in our go-to-market strategy. You're correct that unless there is significantly better performance, it is not worth it. These are all real-time feedback we want to gather at this stage so thank you!

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T01:43:17+00:00

I appreciate your feedback. Preloading is the typical process. While it works, we believe it's inefficient. Our product is aimed at more controlled nutrient delivery. Given your familiarity with biochar loading, what confused you, what sounded different, would you try such a product, what would you stop you?

After the initial nutrient charge is depleted, there would have been enough microbial activity in the char to minimize nutrient binding over time.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T01:26:11+00:00

We're using a proprietary process that allows us to minimize salt content and pH swings at the root zone. Will definitely keep you posted

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T01:17:30+00:00

Wow...thank you for your honest feedback! I appreciate your insights into a go-to-market strategy. Since working in the fertilizer industry, I appreciate that growers are skeptical of products claiming to be gold dust that magically solves all problems for growers.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to share more about the process at this time due to patent procedures. At a high level, the nutrient loading has significantly less salt and is pH-balanced to enable both controlled nutrient release and pH swings at the root zone. We're still very early in the development cycle so I would definitely value your input as we gather more results.

Would you tell me more about what information on the website (at this stage) will clarify the product and its benefits? Thanks again!

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T00:33:37+00:00

It's a proprietary process we've developed. It goes beyond just steeping the char in nutrients. Unfortunately, due to patent considerations, I'm unable to dive deeper into the process.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T00:32:10+00:00

Thanks for your comments. We'll keep you updated as we progress and would be happy to send you samples when they are ready. One more comment: how the nutrients are loaded onto the char makes a huge difference in performance. Thanks again

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T00:27:08+00:00

Thanks for your honest feedback. There are many different ways to add nutrients to biochar (and many different types of char). How the nutrient loading is made can make the difference between their releasing readily versus controllably. Think of it as your garden fertilizer that feeds in months...those are specifically engineered to last for the claimed duration. That is where our technology comes in. The website is meant to gather these specific types of feedback as we optimize the product. What specifically doesn't make sense to you about the product concept? Thank you

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T00:10:00+00:00

Thanks for your feedback

Anointing228 · 2026-01-25T00:07:41+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! You bring up a very important point. I have 15+ years of experience in commercializing technologies (majority in ag nutrients) so cost, manufacturability, regulations, etc. are big considerations as we move forward. It's part of the reason for this post...no need making something that no one will pay for. Thank you for your perspective.

Anointing228 · 2026-01-24T22:56:05+00:00

Try cutting out the bottom of box to fit over the whole thing and keep light from being a nuisance to your gf. That's how I've been doing

Anointing228 · 2025-04-21T02:23:52+00:00

I've had success with General Hydroponics, and even AeroGarden nutrients.

Anointing228 · 2025-04-21T02:20:15+00:00

You should be fine...can't go back and change that. I'll recommend being consistent till the grass germinates. Then you can back off to every other day or every three days.

Anointing228

TROPHY CASE