International Biochar Initiative IBI Technical Bulletin #101
Quick tests to determine whether a biochar material contains compounds that are potentially harmful to plants
Biochar can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks and under a wide variety of conditions, yielding a wide variety of potential product characteristics. Not all biochars are suitable for soil application as supplied. This Technical Bulletin covers two rapid tests that can be used to assess the presence of toxic compounds in biochar:
1. Germination Test and 2. Worm Avoidance Test.