Frequently Asked Questions

Independent lab analysis (Wallace Laboratories) across key metrics:

Parameter	Vermiculite	Perlite	BioVermiculite™
Water Holding (wt%)	459	300	641
Potassium (ppm)	456	<1	5,089
Phosphorus (ppm)	1.6	<1	316
Calcium (ppm)	290	<1	2,999
Ca:Mg Ratio	1.1	—	3.1
Carbon Footprint (tCO₂e/ST)	+1.03	+0.20	–2.50

Vermiculite has higher magnesium (2,945 vs 431 ppm). Perlite has higher free air space (45% vs 27.5%).

BioVermiculite has a calcium-to-magnesium ratio of 3.1 compared to 1.1 for mined vermiculite. Ca:Mg ratios above 2.0 improve soil structure and nutrient uptake. Excess magnesium relative to calcium compacts soil particles and inhibits calcium absorption by plant roots. BioVermiculite's 3.1 ratio promotes better soil aggregation and root health.

pH 9.5 (saturation extract). This alkalinity is beneficial for neutralizing acidic soils but should be monitored when blending with already-alkaline components. For comparison, mined vermiculite has a pH of 8.4 and perlite has a pH of 7.0.

Yes. Tested by Control Laboratories (Watsonville, CA) under International Biochar Initiative standards. Testing confirmed 83.9% organic carbon, pH 9.48, and bulk density of 5.8 lb/cu ft, meeting IBI certification requirements.

Yes. BioVermiculite contains no added synthetic chemicals. It is produced from responsibly managed forestry byproducts through a controlled pyrolysis process.

Apply 2 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet for garden beds and landscape applications. Till 6 inches into existing soil. For best results, prepare amended soil 2–3 weeks before planting to allow microbial colonization.

Dig the planting hole 1.5–2× wider than the root ball and mix BioVermiculite into the excavated soil:

Plant Type	Amount per Hole
Annual vegetables	1 cup
Large fruited crops (tomato, pepper)	1–2 cups
Woody perennials / trees	½–1 gallon

This reduces transplant shock by holding water and nutrients close to the root zone.

Yes. BioVermiculite is formulated as a replacement for peat moss in addition to being a 1:1 replacement for vermiculite and perlite in professional potting mix formulations. No blend reformulation is required.

Container Size	BioVermiculite™ Amount
1-gallon pot	½–1 cup
3-gallon pot	5–10 cups
5-gallon pot	0.6–1.25 gallons
10-gallon pot	1.25–2.5 gallons
20-gallon pot	2.5–5 gallons

Mix into potting media before planting.

Spread a ½–1 inch layer on top of the bed and mix or till into the top 6 inches. Prepare 2–3 weeks before planting. This enhances drainage and aeration for healthier, more productive garden beds.

BioVermiculite ships in 2-cubic-yard food-grade polypropylene supersacks on 48"×48" pallets, stackable two-high. Each supersack weighs approximately 650 lbs including pallet. Bulk orders ship as full truck loads (52 pallets) or container loads (32 × 1.8 CY).

A single 2-cubic-yard supersack is $249. Bulk pricing is available for full truck loads (52 pallets) and container loads. Contact orders@biovermiculite.com for commercial volume pricing.

290 lbs per cubic yard (10.6 lbs/ft³). For comparison, mined vermiculite is 10.9 lbs/ft³ and perlite is 5.0 lbs/ft³.

Freight costs are weight-based and calculated by delivery ZIP code. Standard processing is 2–5 business days. Expedited delivery options are available upon request.

BioVermiculite has a net-negative carbon footprint of –2.50 tCO₂e per short ton. Every ton applied to soil permanently sequesters 2.50 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. For comparison, mined vermiculite emits +1.03 tCO₂e/ST and perlite emits +0.20 tCO₂e/ST.

BioVermiculite is engineered biochar produced from sustainably managed forestry byproducts (sawdust, bark waste) through an optimized thermal conversion process. It upcycles biomass waste into a high-performance soil amendment while sequestering atmospheric carbon.