Bionic µSoil – Fertile Soils for Future Generations

Arable soil is a limited and fragile resource. Erosion, over-cultivation, climate change and the intensive use of synthetic fertilizers have led to compaction, nutrient imbalances and humus loss in many regions. At the same time, large quantities of slurry, manure and other organic residues accumulate, which are often insufficiently utilized or cause additional environmental problems.

The Bionic µSoil system addresses this dual challenge: It links the use of biogenic residues with the targeted production of a highly effective soil enhancer inspired by the legendary South American Terra Preta. According to Bionic, it is a profitable system that transforms biogenic input materials into usable energy carriers and an organic fertilizer – while functioning simultaneously as a CO₂ sink.

Core Principle of the µSoil System

µSoil is not a single product, but an integrated process concept. The starting point consists of biogenic residues from agriculture and the food industry, such as slurry, manure, plant residues or other organic waste. Part of these materials is thermochemically converted in the µFuel process. This generates energy carriers (oils and gases) as well as a stable, highly porous biochar.

In a second step, this biochar is combined with additional organic materials and nutrient carriers. Under controlled conditions – comparable to precisely managed composting – selected microorganisms transform the organic material while the biochar serves as a structural matrix and storage medium. The result is a humus-rich, granular soil enhancer with slowly plant-available nutrients: Bionic µSoil.

Properties and Composition of µSoil

µSoil combines stable biochar with high-quality organic fertilizer. A significant fraction of “artificial topsoil” loosens the parent soil and improves its structure. Its humus-like consistency ensures that nutrients are bound within the organic matrix and released gradually according to plant demand.

Laboratory and field studies show that µSoil can be used as a full-value organic NPK fertilizer. Long-term trials indicate that the need for additional mineral fertilizers can drop significantly over time, and in some cases synthetic fertilization can be eliminated completely. µSoil is stable in storage (typically up to two years), low in odor, and does not carry the application limitations commonly associated with untreated slurry.

Depending on feedstock and formulation, µSoil mixtures can be tailored for specific crops or site conditions – from perennial and specialty crops to arable farming, grassland, or the restoration of degraded soils.

Agronomic Effects of µSoil

Improvement of Soil Structure and Water Management

The biochar contained in µSoil provides the soil with an open, stable structure. This improves aeration, reduces compaction and allows rainwater to infiltrate more effectively. At the same time, the enormous internal surface area of the biochar increases the soil’s water-holding capacity – enabling the soil to retain more water and supply it to plants for longer during dry periods.

Nutrient Dynamics and Plant Growth

Through the combination of organic matter, nutrients and active soil biology, µSoil functions like a “buffering storage system”: nutrients leach out less readily yet remain plant-available. Studies report improved root development, higher protein content in crops and positive effects on taste and shelf life of food products.

µSoil is particularly beneficial for eroded or depleted soils. Here, the artificially created topsoil layer can help restore lost functions – such as water and nutrient storage or habitat for soil organisms – and improve yield stability.

Hygiene and Odor

Because the organic input materials are processed under controlled conditions, typical issues of untreated slurry are significantly reduced. Publications on the µSoil system mention the near elimination of antibiotic and hormone residues as well as a marked reduction in odor. This not only improves agronomic performance but also increases acceptance among neighboring communities.

Climate Protection: CO₂ Sink Instead of Emitter

Conventional fertilizer systems and the disposal of organic residues often lead to significant emissions of CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide. µSoil follows a different approach: A portion of the carbon from the biogenic feedstocks is converted into a stable, highly recalcitrant carbon form (biochar) in the µFuel process. When added to the soil, this carbon remains stored for extremely long periods, actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Combined with the substitution of synthetic fertilizers and the use of residues instead of fossil resources, µSoil becomes a CO₂-negative system. Bionic describes µSoil, together with the µFuel technology, as one of the first profitable systems that simultaneously acts as a carbon sink – connecting climate protection with economic viability.

Integration into the Bionic Technology Ecosystem

µSoil unfolds its full potential when integrated with the other technologies of the Bionic platform. Biogenic residues are converted into energy and biochar in the µFuel process, while non-thermally treated components – such as solid digestate, manure or organic by-products – enter the µSoil system through composting and fermentation steps. In addition, part of the biochar can be used in µSorb products for water and air purification before eventually returning to the soil.

In this way, µSoil forms the agronomic and ecological key function within the Bionic ecosystem: It closes nutrient cycles, improves soils, stabilizes yields and simultaneously acts as a long-term carbon sink. For agricultural enterprises, biogas operators or municipal actors, new business models emerge – from soil enhancement and regional fertilizer production to CO₂ certificates and climate protection initiatives.

In summary, Bionic µSoil is a system component that unites agronomic, ecological and economic objectives: fertile soils, reduced environmental risks and a measurable contribution to the decarbonization of agriculture and waste management.

Sources (selection): Summary “Bionic µSoil – artificial terra preta” (2015), various presentations on “Arable soil for future generations – Bionic µSoil”, Bionic-website bionic-world.net (Technologies/µSoil) as well as blog articles on properties and benefits of the µSoil system.