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Frequently Asked Questions

BioVermiculite™ is an engineered biochar growing media component that delivers 1.4× water holding capacity and 11× potassium compared to mined vermiculite, with a net-negative carbon footprint.

Product & Performance

BioVermiculite is an engineered biochar growing media component designed as a 1:1 drop-in replacement for mined vermiculite and perlite. Independent lab testing (Wallace Laboratories) confirms 1.4× the water holding capacity (641% vs 459%) and 11× the potassium (5,089 vs 456 ppm) compared to horticultural-grade vermiculite, with a net-negative carbon footprint of –2.50 tCO₂e per short ton.
Independent lab analysis (Wallace Laboratories) across key metrics:
Parameter Vermiculite Perlite BioVermiculite™
Water Holding (wt%)459300641
Potassium (ppm)456<15,089
Phosphorus (ppm)1.6<1316
Calcium (ppm)290<12,999
Ca:Mg Ratio1.1—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 growing media structure and nutrient uptake. Excess magnesium relative to calcium compacts growing media particles and inhibits calcium absorption by plant roots. BioVermiculite's 3.1 ratio promotes better growing media structure and root health.
pH 9.5 (saturation extract). This alkalinity is beneficial for balancing pH in growing media blends and 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.

Application & Use

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 pot½–1 cup
3-gallon pot5–10 cups
5-gallon pot0.6–1.25 gallons
10-gallon pot1.25–2.5 gallons
20-gallon pot2.5–5 gallons
Mix into potting media before planting.

Ordering & Logistics

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 $139. 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.

Sustainability

BioVermiculite has a net-negative carbon footprint of –2.50 tCO₂e per short ton. Every ton 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 growing media component while sequestering atmospheric carbon.

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