$ECTH Bio-Char: A remarkable ability of bio-char (also torrefied biomass) is it's performance as an agricultural growth catalyst. In this application, often called “terra preta,” the biocarbon is neither a nutrient nor a fertilizer yet it enhances plant growth by 30% to 300%. Even more remarkable, the carbon is not consumed, and thus has to be applied only once. The growth promotion takes place from the absorbent carbon acting as a slow-release agent for nutrients and fertilizers and/or host for soil microbes. The end result is more food production The biocarbon placed in the ground is sequestered and becomes carbon negative.