
Vertro is our all natural, high quality pure biochar. It is a true biochar, and should never be confused with other inferior carbon products that are mislabeled as "biochar", yet which are in fact caustic wood ash, a waste product that comes from biomass fed power plants.
Vertro is produced by exposing biomass to elevated temperatures in an oxygen depleted atmosphere. Thus, Vertro is composed of more than 65% elemental carbon, some remaining organic materials to help feed beneficial soil microbes, and less than 1.7% of wood ash. Vertro's moisture levels are normally under 18%. These amounts are measured by weight. Available in 40 cup bags.
Vertro is far superior to wood ash "biochar". That substance is the waste product resulting from the of burning biomass at very high temperatures in a high oxygen environment to convert as much carbon into energy as possible. The result of that combustion is a material which is composed of 38% to 49% residual carbon and from 51% to 62% or more of caustic wood ash with pH exceeding 11 or 12.
Always ask your supplier where the "biochar" they are selling is sourced. If it is from biomass energy plants, be sure to avoid it unless your supplier guarantees you in writing to protect you from any liability associated with its use.
Some reputable firms do sell wood ash and properly label it as "wood ash". It is available for as little as $4 a ton, much lower than the $2,000 to $8,000 a ton some "biochar" suppliers charge for the same material.