Strange inoculation/charging effect

The first time I charged my crushed biochar with a liquid mix of nutrients, I was shocked.  The stuff just disappeared when I poured it over the crushed char.  But now I'm used to that, and I know about how much I'll need.   I prepare my liquid mix beforehand, and it measures out just fine.  

However, I do have one strange effect now.  For the very first time, I usually soak it for a few hours, like maybe 8.  Then I pour off the extra liquid.  Not very much pours out.  The top seems solid.  The next day, though, I notice that the container wiggles like it has liquid trapped below the "solid" top.  So I started using a solid piece of metal to break through it.  When I do, it decreases in volume and seems to mix with the hidden liquid below.  I can pour off a little more liquid.  The next day I usually need to crash through the top again, mix it and pour it off.  

After that, it seems to develop into more of a look like the crushed char, but it certainly seems to have attained an equilibrium with being inoculated.  I can pour the liquid mix in and it will pour out normally.  I mostly think this is ok and maybe just the process of it developing its charged status.  I then drench it once a day for another week and a half before digging it into the yard. I know some of you have very advanced science degrees, so I just wanted to ask if this seems ok.  Do any of the rest of you have this effect? I know some  of you have different methods of charging the biochar, and some of you don't charge it.  

Thanks,
JOhn S
PDX OR

My current theory remains that it is just the adjusting of the raw char to inoculation. It seems to be filling up with liquids, nutrients and microbes. It makes sense that the powders ( ag lime, whole wheat flour, and dry crushed rotten wood mycelium) would take a bit to mix in with the liquids and the char.  I don't think there's anything harmful going on, just the process of becoming inoculated.  Sometimes I just want to ask a question, because sometimes people know what this effect is and they can comment.

John S
PDX OR

John Suavecito wrote:My current theory remains that it is just the adjusting of the raw char to inoculation. It seems to be filling up with liquids, nutrients and microbes. It makes sense that the powders ( ag lime, whole wheat flour, and dry crushed rotten wood mycelium) would take a bit to mix in with the liquids and the char.  I don't think there's anything harmful going on, just the process of becoming inoculated.  Sometimes I just want to ask a question, because sometimes people know what this effect is and they can comment.

John S
PDX OR

Hmmm... not sure. I haven't used a method like that before. I have put biochar in my compost-based potting soil. I soak it overnight or longer in hot sugar water, drain it once it sinks, and then throw it in my compost tumbler. I compost food scraps, egg shells, old nuka (rice bran pickling medium), grass clippings, weeds, lees from my brewing experiments, etc... I just let it get colonized by sugar hunting microbes in the compost bin.

I think that makes sense, Erin.  Inoculating it with free/cheap convenient nutritious stuff.  Not everyone's stuff will be exactly the same, of course.  Many people put their into compost for a year or other extended time.  Some let their chickens eat it/poop on it.  I don't have the space for that.  I inoculate after crushing for two weeks, and then it goes into the soil.

John S
PDX OR

I am cautious about thinking of biochar as a solution in itself. No matter how well inoculated. Growing plants need a much deeper mix IMO.

I view it as 20% of the solution, an incredibly powerful additive that builds long term tilth, fertility, and sequesters literally tons of carbon. And feeds the future. Personally I think that's pretty cool stuff.

I agree. Organic material in the soil, drainage, sufficient sun/shade/space, life in the soil, diversity, insect life, birds, etc. All are important.  Biochar is the one I'm most excited about right now, because it is currently my steepest learning curve. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum.  I am learning a lot!

John S
PDX OR

John Suavecito wrote: Biochar is the one I'm most excited about right now, because it is currently my steepest learning curve.

I think I misinterpreted in my previous post. I agree, it's interesting to try different inoculation methods and observe the results.