Ep 06: Dr. Ping Yu from University of Georgia

Biochar is getting more attention as a peat alternative, but as Dr. Ping Yu explains in this episode, not all biochar works the same way. Feedstock, production temperature, texture, pH, and application rate all change how biochar performs in a growing mix.In this episode of How We Grow, Chad Massura sits down with Dr. Ping Yu, assistant professor and ornamental extension specialist at the University of Georgia, to talk through what biochar actually is, how it differs from ash, what her research found in ornamental and container crop production, and what growers should think about before adding biochar to a mix.They get into the practical side of biochar: how it can support peat alternatives, why consistency matters, how different chars behave differently, and why the future of growing media may be more customized than one-size-fits-all.What You’ll Learn:🌱 Why biochar is not the same thing as ash🧪 How feedstock and production temperature change biochar performance🪴 What Dr. Yu’s research found when testing biochar in peat-based mixes💧 How biochar may help with drought and salt stress📉 Why cost and consistency are still major barriers for commercial adoption🔬 What growers should look for when evaluating biochar products🌿 Why biochar may become a bigger part of future soilless media systemsYou can connect with Dr. Ping Yu on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ping-yu-865aa2191 or reach her through her professional email at [email protected]