Soil amendment
Invest in your soil
A practical soil amendment for improving southeastern soil health. Made from 100% U.S. rice hulls. Spread with the equipment you already run.
In short
Biochar raises organic matter, water-holding capacity, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in southeastern soils - and many growers can apply it with little to no out-of-pocket cost through USDA's EQIP, or RCPP programs.
- Material composition - in brief: 40–45% organic carbon, 45–50% silica, high CEC and surface area.
- Data indicates benefits across working land - row crops including rice, soybean, corn and cotton, plus pasture, forestry, specialty crops and turf.
- Cold Steppe is building an agricultural-scale body of evidence to identify where biochar delivers the highest agronomic and economic returns. Explore partnering with Cold Steppe.
- Eligible under USDA's NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 336 (Soil Carbon Amendment) in both EQIP and RCPP programs.
“Biochar improves numerous aspects of soil health at once. It is a cheat code for building soil organic matter - it shortcuts years of resource-intensive farm management practices.”
Dr. John Lee
Former Arkansas NRCS State Agronomist
Go to the source
Don't take our word for it.
The practice standard, the research behind it, and an independent primer - none of them ours.
Product, programs and partnership
Where to start.
What it is
The specification, the third-party lab data, and why rice hulls in particular make a different amendment. Start here if you have not used biochar before.
EQIP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - a USDA-NRCS cost-share program that helps producers implement conservation practices on land already in production. If you have applied or are approved for an EQIP contract, we can help you with contracting and execution.
RCPP
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) - a USDA-NRCS program that funds partner-led conservation projects at a regional scale. Register your interest in our current proposal.
Partner With Us
For organizations rather than growers: inset carbon removals within your supply chain, upcycle your facility's agricultural residues, or help your own growers start their regenerative journey.
Funding & benefits
What the cost share covers.
Per acre, step by step - the same walkthrough we do with you one on one.
Fair market value of the practiceSet by USDARead more
NRCS sets what a biochar application is worth per acre, for your county and your application rate. Every line below works off that one number.
USDA cost share, under CPS 336USDA coversRead more
Conservation Practice Standard 336 covers the standard 75% of that value. Historically Underserved Producers may qualify for 90% - ask your NRCS office whether you do.
The balance above the cost shareNot covered by USDARead more
The USDA expects farmers to cover a portion of the cost. We work with you to help drive this number as low as possible.
Material, delivery and applicationNot covered by USDARead more
Part of what the cost share is applied against. We can handle freight to your farm and spreading.
Net payment to youPaid to youRead more
What is left of the cost share once the material is paid for. It covers your implementation, soil testing and shipping on the contract.
During the 1:1 we'll provide you with an illustrative estimate for your ground. Actual figures vary by program, county and enrollment.
Work with us.
Tell us about your ground, your organization, or the job you want to do. We will come back with the next step.