“The Beauty Above Comes
from the Science Below”
This is our Story:
Sharing our roots, our people, and our purpose.
Sharing our roots, our people, and our purpose.
Healthy Soil.
Healthy Food.
Healthy People.
Our purpose is to help others become good stewards of the land. We recognize that many soils are degraded and that much of our food lacks nutrient density.
There is a direct link between the health of our soil and the quality of the food we grow. This understanding motivates us to produce high-quality soil amendments that strengthen and support the living relationship between soil and plants.
Healthy soils grow healthy plants that nourish healthy people.
There is a direct link between the health of our soil and the quality of the food we grow. This understanding motivates us to produce high-quality soil amendments that strengthen and support the living relationship between soil and plants.
Healthy soils grow healthy plants that nourish healthy people.
A Founder’s Journey
Mark and Laurie Mann have spent decades developing soil solutions, particularly for trees. In the late 1990s, they developed protocols using Tree Growth Regulators to improve the survivability of urban trees growing in poor soils with harsh environmental conditions.
While the TGRs provided physiological benefits, they realized the root cause was just below their feet. That realization in 2012 led Mark and Laurie to shift their focus from trees to soils. BioChar emerged as the missing piece for improving soil structure, increasing water and nutrient retention, reducing contaminants, and supporting healthy soil biology.
Continued research revealed two essential things: the best feedstock for quality BioChar was softwood, and charging (blending) the BioChar with an organic material was vital. They chose humate as their charging material because of its consistency and immediate bioavailability. The blended BioChar and humate was called VITAL Blend granular soil amendment.
VITAL Blend 5M is a liquid soil amendment created by Mark and Laurie in 2017. It features liquid humate mixed with BioChar that is wet-milled to a 5-micron particle size, allowing it to easily pass through irrigation systems, fertigation, and sprayer screens without clogging.
In 2019, they launched GRATEFUL Blend, a nutrient-dense living soil that combines VITAL Blend with essential biology and other organic ingredients for enhanced plant growth.
While the TGRs provided physiological benefits, they realized the root cause was just below their feet. That realization in 2012 led Mark and Laurie to shift their focus from trees to soils. BioChar emerged as the missing piece for improving soil structure, increasing water and nutrient retention, reducing contaminants, and supporting healthy soil biology.
Continued research revealed two essential things: the best feedstock for quality BioChar was softwood, and charging (blending) the BioChar with an organic material was vital. They chose humate as their charging material because of its consistency and immediate bioavailability. The blended BioChar and humate was called VITAL Blend granular soil amendment.
VITAL Blend 5M is a liquid soil amendment created by Mark and Laurie in 2017. It features liquid humate mixed with BioChar that is wet-milled to a 5-micron particle size, allowing it to easily pass through irrigation systems, fertigation, and sprayer screens without clogging.
In 2019, they launched GRATEFUL Blend, a nutrient-dense living soil that combines VITAL Blend with essential biology and other organic ingredients for enhanced plant growth.
30 Years of Proven Expertise
Mark and Laurie Mann are recognized experts in soil health, biochar, and arboricultural science, with decades of published research, industry education, and product innovation in the green industry.
Mark Mann
Co-owner & CEO
Mark Mann has been the Co-Owner & CEO of Plant Growth Management Systems and American BioChar Company for almost 30 years. After graduating from Purdue University, he helped create TGR rates that are used in the arborist industry, patented the Crown Volume Determination Tool, and designed soil application equipment.
Mark has published in the Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Journal and has presented to 1000s of green industry companies, both nationally and internationally. Mark’s love of agronomy and forestry was the impetus that drove him to incorporate BioChar into the soil. He epitomizes the practical application of the beauty above ground that comes from the understanding of the soil below.
Mark has published in the Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Journal and has presented to 1000s of green industry companies, both nationally and internationally. Mark’s love of agronomy and forestry was the impetus that drove him to incorporate BioChar into the soil. He epitomizes the practical application of the beauty above ground that comes from the understanding of the soil below.
Laurie Mann
Co-owner & CFO
Laurie Mann has been the Co-Owner and Chief Financial Officer of Plant Growth Management Systems and American BioChar Company for nearly 30 years. She is a graduate of Indiana University and taught chemistry and biology for 15 years.
She designed the comprehensive TGR Rate Slide Chart used by arborists and utility applicators. Laurie maintains an educational blog and has been published in multiple green industry magazines. She regularly presents on podcasts and webinars, covering topics such as soil science and BioChar applications. Laurie is committed to upholding honesty, objectivity, and rigor throughout the company’s research.
She designed the comprehensive TGR Rate Slide Chart used by arborists and utility applicators. Laurie maintains an educational blog and has been published in multiple green industry magazines. She regularly presents on podcasts and webinars, covering topics such as soil science and BioChar applications. Laurie is committed to upholding honesty, objectivity, and rigor throughout the company’s research.
We are blessed to work with so many good people, and we’d like to introduce you to a few of them
Tyran
Director of Operations
Tyran brings a lifelong passion for horticulture and nearly a decade of dedicated service to the company. His background in warehouse logistics, shipping, and crew management has been fundamental to our operational success.
Jessica
Product Manager
Jessica has been with us for a decade and has had many roles in the company. Presently, she is our Products Manager and coordinates our marketing, distributors, and sales.
She can be reached directly for any questions you might have regarding application rates or protocols, as well as initiating orders.
She can be reached directly for any questions you might have regarding application rates or protocols, as well as initiating orders.
BioChar Questions?
Our customer service is top-notch.
For questions or orders
text, call, or email Jessica
574-334-0953
jessica@ambiochar.com
For questions or orders
text, call, or email Jessica
574-334-0953
jessica@ambiochar.com
Emma
Office Manager
As our dedicated Office Manager, Emma oversees all administrative operations to ensure our daily workflow remains seamless. She approaches every order with a signature blend of efficiency, warmth, and meticulous care.
Cheyenne
Administrative Assistant
Collaborating closely with Emma, Cheyenne works tirelessly behind the scenes to champion our team and customers alike — helping deliver high-quality, sustainable biochar solutions to growers.
Jamie
Operations Support
Jamie assists with administrative operations, maintaining inventory, and hands-on production needs – keeping the warehouse running smoothly day-to-day. His versatility and resourcefulness are among his best assets.
Innovation Is Our Path to Solutions
Our granular BioChar and BioChar blends work great, but for larger agricultural users and application companies that prefer liquid products, we introduced the first OMRI Listed BioChar blend in a liquid form, VITAL Blend 5M. The biochar is wet-milled down to a 5-micron-sized particle and blended with liquid humic and fulvic acids. It can easily pass through any drip line, irrigation system, backpack sprayer, or any type of liquid applicator system. In addition to ease of application, the reduced bulk translates into more affordable shipping costs.
This formula spreads faster and more evenly in the soil, speeding up microbial contact. The smaller size provides more surface area exposure and deeper penetration into the soil. Its superior benefits, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness have quickly moved VITAL Blend 5M to the top of buyers’ lists.
In 2019, following the legalization of Cannabis in Michigan, top cultivators approached Mark and Laurie seeking a potting medium that incorporated NAKED Char, their pure BioChar. This marked the birth of GRATEFUL Blend living soil.
Almost two years went into creating GRATEFUL Blend, the first all-organic living soil with BioChar. A potting soil built in harmony with nature; it has been proven to grow plants from sprout to harvest. It is an all-inclusive soil mix that requires only water and actually improves with age, like fine wine, getting better year after year. While originally designed as a stand-alone medium, it has evolved into a nutrient-packed amendment used to elevate gardens, trees, transplants, and more
This formula spreads faster and more evenly in the soil, speeding up microbial contact. The smaller size provides more surface area exposure and deeper penetration into the soil. Its superior benefits, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness have quickly moved VITAL Blend 5M to the top of buyers’ lists.
In 2019, following the legalization of Cannabis in Michigan, top cultivators approached Mark and Laurie seeking a potting medium that incorporated NAKED Char, their pure BioChar. This marked the birth of GRATEFUL Blend living soil.
Almost two years went into creating GRATEFUL Blend, the first all-organic living soil with BioChar. A potting soil built in harmony with nature; it has been proven to grow plants from sprout to harvest. It is an all-inclusive soil mix that requires only water and actually improves with age, like fine wine, getting better year after year. While originally designed as a stand-alone medium, it has evolved into a nutrient-packed amendment used to elevate gardens, trees, transplants, and more
Community Outreach
Young Researcher Spotlight: Aadya Agarwal, New Jersey
Aadya Agarwal, a high school student at The Lawrenceville School, NJ, is exploring how biochar can make water cleaner and safer. For her independent research project, American Biochar Company donated our softwood biochar, which Aadya tested for its ability to remove heavy metals and nitrates from water. Through extensive experiments at school and at home, she built a large dataset across many trials, carefully varying factors such as pH, contact time, and dosage, and evaluated her measurements using analytical and graphing tools. Her findings demonstrated biochar’s effectiveness in treating contaminated water.
To deepen her understanding, Aadya interviewed members of our team about how biochar is made and how it functions. She has since shared her results at science fairs and at the 2026 NJWEA Conference, sparking strong interest in biochar as a sustainable approach to water treatment. Her efforts have also earned a NOAA award and a regional Stockholm Junior Water Prize award.
Aadya is now building an IoT device that uses sensors to detect contaminants in real time and automatically releases biochar, a step toward practical, low-maintenance treatment systems.
Her research speaks to a challenge facing communities everywhere: clean water should not depend on costly treatment technology. Because biochar is relatively low-cost and made from renewable materials, it holds real promise as an accessible solution for the communities that need it most. We’re proud to support Aadya’s work and excited to see where it goes next.
To deepen her understanding, Aadya interviewed members of our team about how biochar is made and how it functions. She has since shared her results at science fairs and at the 2026 NJWEA Conference, sparking strong interest in biochar as a sustainable approach to water treatment. Her efforts have also earned a NOAA award and a regional Stockholm Junior Water Prize award.
Aadya is now building an IoT device that uses sensors to detect contaminants in real time and automatically releases biochar, a step toward practical, low-maintenance treatment systems.
Her research speaks to a challenge facing communities everywhere: clean water should not depend on costly treatment technology. Because biochar is relatively low-cost and made from renewable materials, it holds real promise as an accessible solution for the communities that need it most. We’re proud to support Aadya’s work and excited to see where it goes next.
Conservation Districts Discover BioChar Solutions
Across the country, conservation districts and community groups are asking new questions about soil health, carbon, and how to make better use of the organic materials already around them. American BioChar Company has become a trusted partner in that learning process — not because they manufacture raw biochar, but because they specialize in creating biochar blends and formulations that match the specific needs of a site, a soil, and a conservation goal.
That commitment to fit‑for‑place solutions is exactly what made their participation in the NACD South Central Region’s Summer Meeting so valuable. When Jessica Kusmiz, our BioChar Specialist, joined the session, she didn’t just walk attendees through the science. She opened the door to a deeper conversation: How can conservation districts use biochar blends as practical tools for local challenges?
Jessica’s approach reflects our company’s broader mission — biochar education should be accessible, hands‑on, and grounded in real landscapes. She helped attendees understand how blends differ, why charging and preparation matter, and how the right formulation can support soil biology, improve structure, and strengthen crops. But more importantly, she encouraged districts to explore biochar with curiosity and confidence, knowing they have a partner willing to guide them.
As NACD leaders noted, the session was eye‑opening — not just because of the information shared, but because of our company’s openness to community learning. At this session, Jessica helped conservationists think through how biochar blends can become part of a larger strategy for soil health, watershed protection, and rural resilience.
We are honored to support conservation districts in turning questions into action. We remain committed to helping communities transform degraded soils into productive and healthy landscapes.
That commitment to fit‑for‑place solutions is exactly what made their participation in the NACD South Central Region’s Summer Meeting so valuable. When Jessica Kusmiz, our BioChar Specialist, joined the session, she didn’t just walk attendees through the science. She opened the door to a deeper conversation: How can conservation districts use biochar blends as practical tools for local challenges?
Jessica’s approach reflects our company’s broader mission — biochar education should be accessible, hands‑on, and grounded in real landscapes. She helped attendees understand how blends differ, why charging and preparation matter, and how the right formulation can support soil biology, improve structure, and strengthen crops. But more importantly, she encouraged districts to explore biochar with curiosity and confidence, knowing they have a partner willing to guide them.
As NACD leaders noted, the session was eye‑opening — not just because of the information shared, but because of our company’s openness to community learning. At this session, Jessica helped conservationists think through how biochar blends can become part of a larger strategy for soil health, watershed protection, and rural resilience.
We are honored to support conservation districts in turning questions into action. We remain committed to helping communities transform degraded soils into productive and healthy landscapes.
From Soil to Skyline: Bethany’s Native Tree Expansion with DNR Support
Bethany Christian Schools have begun a DNR‑funded initiative with a goal of planting more than 80 native trees across their campus. The trees will boost shade, biodiversity, and air quality, and the school and its students will be getting the benefit of interactive learning and dirty hands. The educational project offers lessons in planting and maintenance care for the trees, but has the ability to discuss multiple facets of nature and biology.
American BioChar Company was able to help with our VITAL Blend soil amendment as a conditioner to support healthy root development and long‑term growth. Decreasing transplant stress and secure a strong foundation to support a lifetime of healthy growth.
Future phases include adding trees to a new natural playground and replacing invasive Bradford pears with native species. As the trees mature, they will enhance both the campus and the surrounding community green corridor.
With guidance from Emma Conrad, arborist and owner of Red Oak Eco Restoration, students learned about healthy soils and healthy plants. Emma is an ISA-certified arborist (#IN-3740A) who specializes in tree and plant health care, disease or insect identification, and general tree care. Emma visited Bethany Christian School to speak to high school students about the campus’ soils, what the soil test results revealed, and how that impacts tree health. Soil samples were taken in December of 2026. Later in the day, she helped 2nd grade students learn how to plant trees and why adding a soil amendment like BioChar is helpful for the tree at planting.
You can find Emma on Instagram @emmathearborist, or reach out to her via email at emmathearborist@gmail.com.
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
American BioChar Company was able to help with our VITAL Blend soil amendment as a conditioner to support healthy root development and long‑term growth. Decreasing transplant stress and secure a strong foundation to support a lifetime of healthy growth.
Future phases include adding trees to a new natural playground and replacing invasive Bradford pears with native species. As the trees mature, they will enhance both the campus and the surrounding community green corridor.
With guidance from Emma Conrad, arborist and owner of Red Oak Eco Restoration, students learned about healthy soils and healthy plants. Emma is an ISA-certified arborist (#IN-3740A) who specializes in tree and plant health care, disease or insect identification, and general tree care. Emma visited Bethany Christian School to speak to high school students about the campus’ soils, what the soil test results revealed, and how that impacts tree health. Soil samples were taken in December of 2026. Later in the day, she helped 2nd grade students learn how to plant trees and why adding a soil amendment like BioChar is helpful for the tree at planting.
You can find Emma on Instagram @emmathearborist, or reach out to her via email at emmathearborist@gmail.com.
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Nurturing the Next Generation at NACA
Native American Christian Academy (NACA) focuses on Christian discipleship and academic excellence for local First Nation children from 1st to 12th grade, offering a faith-based education along with on-campus room and board. Many mission groups work on projects at the school, including Cross Pointe Church and the Central Gulf Coast District of the Church of the Nazarene. In early spring 2025, Mark and Laurie Mann joined these two groups in Sun Valley, Arizona.
Upon arrival, 54 cubic feet of GRATEFUL Blend living soil, 200 feet of biodegradable GardenSoxx mesh, and materials for a shade hoop house were delivered. The team quickly assembled the hoop house and filled 3-foot mesh bags with the living soil. These GardenSoxx were arranged in pairs inside the structure, surrounded by straw and manure, and thoroughly watered. Seedlings were scheduled to be planted in the bags, which will be removed in about two seasons, leaving behind established soil. To increase food production for the academy, more hoop houses and growing rows will be developed.
At the same time, a compost area was created, and a collection process was started in the lunchroom. The school children will be involved in making the compost and choosing the plants to be grown. It was a very good start.
Upon arrival, 54 cubic feet of GRATEFUL Blend living soil, 200 feet of biodegradable GardenSoxx mesh, and materials for a shade hoop house were delivered. The team quickly assembled the hoop house and filled 3-foot mesh bags with the living soil. These GardenSoxx were arranged in pairs inside the structure, surrounded by straw and manure, and thoroughly watered. Seedlings were scheduled to be planted in the bags, which will be removed in about two seasons, leaving behind established soil. To increase food production for the academy, more hoop houses and growing rows will be developed.
At the same time, a compost area was created, and a collection process was started in the lunchroom. The school children will be involved in making the compost and choosing the plants to be grown. It was a very good start.
Growing in the Great Plains
The Great Plains region of the US used to be characterized by prairie grasses, but conventional farming methods have degraded much of the soil. Over the last hundred years, soil organic matter (SOM) has dropped by an average of 40% in the northern Great Plains. In 2022, Mark and Laurie Mann teamed up with an investment group that wanted to generate revenue while creating a positive change on the farmlands of the Great Plains.
The gist of the project was acquiring the lowest-producing fields and incorporating our BioChar blend into the standard soil fertility programs (SFPs) to enhance productivity and monitor long-term improvements. By offering these acres to local farmers at low rent, it provided them with a path to higher yields and better soil, without the upfront financial risk. After 4-5 years, the tenant farmers get the first opportunity to buy the farmland at a below-market price, providing a long-term incentive for better agricultural management.
American BioChar Company believes that concrete proof is essential, as true trust is built through seeing, not just hearing. Rather than just making claims about our product, we joined this project to demonstrate that our charged BioChar, VITAL Blend, has value in restoring poor soils, by sharing the risk and eventual success of increased harvest and food quality.
The gist of the project was acquiring the lowest-producing fields and incorporating our BioChar blend into the standard soil fertility programs (SFPs) to enhance productivity and monitor long-term improvements. By offering these acres to local farmers at low rent, it provided them with a path to higher yields and better soil, without the upfront financial risk. After 4-5 years, the tenant farmers get the first opportunity to buy the farmland at a below-market price, providing a long-term incentive for better agricultural management.
American BioChar Company believes that concrete proof is essential, as true trust is built through seeing, not just hearing. Rather than just making claims about our product, we joined this project to demonstrate that our charged BioChar, VITAL Blend, has value in restoring poor soils, by sharing the risk and eventual success of increased harvest and food quality.
Helping Haiti
Since 2018, Mark and Laurie have partnered with the medical missions organization, Starfysh, to advance agricultural practices on the Haitian island of LaGonave. The initial visits focused on three primary objectives:
So far, they have sent over 2CY of biochar, 2 CY of VITAL Blend soil amendments, and 10 large composting bins.
The project operated across two distinct environments, a sea-level garden and a mountain garden. Each presents unique soil characteristics and rewarding growth. To date, these efforts have bolstered the production of diverse crops, including Moringa, Coffee, Mangoes, Papayas, Peppers, Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, and Coconut Palms.
Despite recent regional instability, their outreach remains a continuous, long-term commitment to the island’s community.
Visit Starfysh website: Biochar: Restoring Haiti’s Damaged Soil – Starfysh
Watch the Video: Miracle Soil mixed in Niles being sent to Help Haiti
Read Blog: Building Soils & Relationships in LaGonave Part I
Read Blog: Building Soils & Relationships in LaGonave Part II
The project operated across two distinct environments, a sea-level garden and a mountain garden. Each presents unique soil characteristics and rewarding growth. To date, these efforts have bolstered the production of diverse crops, including Moringa, Coffee, Mangoes, Papayas, Peppers, Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, and Coconut Palms.
Despite recent regional instability, their outreach remains a continuous, long-term commitment to the island’s community.
Visit Starfysh website: Biochar: Restoring Haiti’s Damaged Soil – Starfysh
Watch the Video: Miracle Soil mixed in Niles being sent to Help Haiti
Read Blog: Building Soils & Relationships in LaGonave Part I
Read Blog: Building Soils & Relationships in LaGonave Part II
Sisters of the Soil
Connecting women from across the tri-state area (northern Indiana, SW Michigan, SE Illinois), the annual American BioChar Company networking event brings together women who love working in the soil and those who support them. We have an important connection; healthy soils produce healthy food for those around us. It’s always a rewarding, well-organized, and delicious experience.
Our solution to improving soils is VITAL Blend soil amendment and Soil Conditioner
The Science of CARBON is found in our combination of ACTIVE Carbon from plant-derived humate and FIXED Carbon from activated BioChar. The result of healthy soil microbiome species communities is the beauty of healthy plant development.
Learn how we can help you enhance plant growth with our sustainable BioChar soil conditioner products
Learn how we can help you enhance plant growth with our sustainable BioChar soil conditioner products
