*2005 Ohio Corn Trials

As part of its on-going commitment to understand the true value of EPRIDA process charcoal, EGEN is providing support to a team of researchers called Carbon Char Group (CCG). Using its experience in plant propagation, biological suppression of plant disease and crop management, CCG has made numerous advances in bio-inoculation of carbon.

Beginning with farm scale testing of Vermicast solutions in 2002 and its first granular form of biological inoculants in 2003, CCG technology has provided a means for farms and golf courses to reduce input costs while maintaining crop quality. The first field trials of this technology began in the spring of 2004 and continues to the present with work at Virginia Tech University.

During a severe drought in Ohio in 2005, CCG achieved a 520% increase in mycorrhizal fungal populations where its carbon-based products were applied for corn production. Along with other beneficial microbial interactions, this allowed the grower to achieve a 20% increase in yield with just 9 lbs. of product applied per acre. At Virginia Tech in 2006 and 2007, CCG product achieved a 10% and 15% increase in sweet corn yield, and a 30-lb. per acre savings in nitrogen for Irish potatoes. In these trials the application rate was 30 lbs. per acre for corn and 20 lbs. per acre for potatoes. A Virginia Tech associate in 2006 found tomato transplants appeared to be 2 weeks ahead when 1 cup per cubic foot of product was applied to the growing media. This finding convinced Virginia Tech to run their own trial on tomato transplants in 2007. At it own farm in 2007, CCG was able to maintain corn yield even after cutting fertilizer applications in half. This was achieved with 20 lbs. of inoculated product applied per acre at time of seeding. CCG completed its first tests of EPRIDA char in 2007. These trials showed improvements in plant emergence and more consistent germination when EPRIDA char was used.

In 2008, at its research farm in New Jersey, CCG will test EPRIDA char in corn and sunflower crops and produce carbon negative bird seed. The first retail sales of this product are anticipated for late fall 2008. CCG will also be testing Eprida Char and working with various environmental groups to demonstrate how Biochar can increase carbon sequestration in soils. Research has shown that that these materials can reduce nitrogen runoff and groundwater pollution as well as sequester methane and nitrogen in various agricultural applications.

Through CCG, new owners of EPRIDA machines will be able to fine-tune the biological quality of char to crop production needs. By providing a complete microbial ecosystem and a safe habitat for organisms, these products can reduce input costs while improving biological diversity.