A simple definition of BMC™
BMC™ is a mixture of clay, biomass and minerals heated to temperatures (<400ºC) where the biomass starts to torrefy.

Creation
The BMC™ process has been developed to utilise local mineral and biomass resources in a sustainable manner. AnthroTerra only uses biomass from sustainable or waste resources. Current trials indicate that BMC™ can be more effective than woody biochars in increasing microbial growth and producing higher yields per unit product.

The process involves the transformation of local green waste or wood waste to biochar. The volatile gases from this process are burnt in a state of the art combustor. Some of the smoke chemicals produced during pyrolysis can be captured and reused to help plant germination and microbial growth. This biochar is then mixed with local clays, local manures and other organic compounds and macro and micro-nutrients. The exact formula depends on soil properties and specific plant requirements.

This mixture is baked at a low temperature to both sterilise the mixture and to form particles that have surfaces that have a high capacity to hold nutrients, adsorb minerals and organic matter in the soil and promote microbial growth (especially mycorrhizal fungi). Once the baking process is completed other minerals and organic compounds can be added. The baking process can be tailored so that release of nutrients can match plant requirements over the growing cycle.


Application
The product can be formed into a granule to be applied using existing seeding equipment or it can be applied as a powder under the ground in bands or on the surface as a top dressing. Examination of BMC™ particles after crops have been grown indicates that the root hairs from plants will wrap around the BMC™ particles and will start to draw off nutrients and water.

During the growing cycle a range of fungi, bacterial and other micro-organisms will start to grow within the pores and on the surfaces using both the nutrients in the minerals and also the carbon from the manures that have been baked. After the plants are harvested, microscopic examination indicates that part of the root hairs and dead micro-organisms become part of the BMC™ particle ensuring recycling of carbon and nitrogen for the next cycle of plant growth.