Patent Publication Number: US-2019177243-A1

Title: Pre-charged biochar and method therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/595,851 entitled PRE-CHARGED BIOCHAR, which was filed on Dec. 7, 2017 in the name of the Applicant and which is incorporated herein in full by reference. This application also claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/701,212 entitled PRE-CHARGED BIOCHAR AND METHOD THEREFOR, which was filed on Jul. 20, 2018 in the name of the Applicant and which is incorporated herein in full by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to improving soil health and, more specifically, to a microalgae pre-charged biochar and methods for pre-charging raw biochar with microalgae. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Biochar is a recalcitrant form of carbon typically formed by pyrolysis of vegetative matter (e.g., thermochemical conversion of biomass in a reduced oxygen environment), such as charcoal resulting from burning of vegetation (e.g., forest fire). This form of biochar is referred to herein as “raw” because it has not been treated or combined with any other product or material. Biochar is capable of storing carbon for a significantly longer period than if the original biomass (i.e., plant material) had been left to decay. The structure of biochar is extremely porous, which allows it to assimilate nutrients and water from the surrounding environment in a process known as “charging.” 
     Uncharged biochar acts like a sponge, absorbing soil nutrients until it reaches equilibrium with the soil, thus reaching a charged state; and subsequently acts like a slow-release nutrient reservoir. However, uncharged biochar lies fallow during the charging phase, which sometimes may be for many years. 
     Some have been known to charge raw biochar with compost or manure in order to accelerate soil recovery and the associated soil microbiological activity. However, when using compost or manure, the composition of the combined product (i.e. compost/manure plus biochar) is inconsistent. Although manure is known to be a source of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), the nutrient content of the manure will vary depending on the source of the compost or manure. For example, the nutrient content of the manure will depend upon the type of animal that created the manure and its diet. Similarly, with compost, the nutrient content of the compost will vary depending upon the raw materials used and the degree of decomposition. Because the nutrient content of the manure and compost cannot be controlled, it is impossible to predict the efficacy of any biochar that is charged with the manure or compost. Furthermore, when using manure or compost, it is difficult to determine whether the manure or compost contains any bacteria and, if so, whether that bacteria would be helpful or harmful to the soil and the plants growing in the soil. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a composition and method for pre-charging biochar with microalgae so that the nutrients of the pre-charged biochar may be predictable and controlled. By controlling the nutrients in the pre-charged biochar, this helps to minimize any negative side effects of the pre-charged biochar and, conversely, helps to increase positive results from the pre-charged biochar on the soil to which it is applied. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Disclosed herein are techniques and systems for pre-charging biochar with microbials, and the products that result therefrom. In one implementation, microalgae can be combined with biochar to produce a pre-charged biochar, which stacks functions to benefit both the biochar and microalgae product. In essence, the pre-charged biochar creates a slow release function for the microalgae into the soil. Techniques described herein may be used to promote the ability of nutrients and microalgae to adhere to the biochar structure, while mitigating product contamination. As an example, this product could be added to a field during the pre-planting stage (e.g., and later) to help construct soil, conserve water, and retain nutrients, which the plant roots can more efficiently access. 
     In one implementation, selected raw biochar can be pre-seasoned in a freshwater bath resulting in water-laden biochar. Further, in this implementation, a selected composition of microalgae may be added to the freshwater bath, and the biochar may be allowed to supercharge (incubate) for approximately twelve to twenty-four hours at approximately 37° C., with purging. In this implementation, the resulting product can comprise a biochar charged with microalgae and plant production enhancing nutrients. 
     In another implementation, a selected composition of microalgae may be directly added to dried raw biochar. The mixture may then be incubated for approximately twelve to twenty-four hours at approximately 37° C. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of pre-charging biochar with microalgae for use in soil is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing an amount of raw biochar; providing an amount of a liquid microalgae composition; mixing the raw biochar with the liquid microalgae composition to create a pre-charging mixture; incubating the pre-charging mixture for between 12-24 hours to create pre-charged biochar; drying the pre-charged biochar; and burying an effective amount of the pre-charged biochar in soil within the vicinity of a fruiting plant, seedling, or seed. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for slow releasing nutrients into soil via pre-charged biochar is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: pre-charging biochar by: providing an amount of raw biochar; providing an amount of a liquid microalgae composition; mixing the raw biochar with the liquid microalgae composition to create a pre-charging mixture; incubating the pre-charging mixture for between 12-24 hours to create pre-charged biochar; and drying the pre-charged biochar; and burying the pre-charged biochar in the soil within the vicinity of a fruiting plant, seedling, or seed, wherein a ratio of the pre-charged biochar to the soil is 1:1. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a microalgae pre-charged biochar for slow releasing nutrients into soil is disclosed. The microalgae pre-charged biochar comprises an amount of raw biochar and an amount of a liquid microalgae composition comprising dead pasteurized  Chlorella  microalgae cells and nutrients beneficial to soil, the nutrients comprising at least one of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and sodium; wherein the raw biochar is pre-charged according to the steps of: mixing the raw biochar with the liquid microalgae composition to create a pre-charging mixture, wherein the pre-charging mixture comprises a 1:2 ratio of raw biochar to  Chlorella  microalgae cells; incubating the pre-charging mixture for between 12-24 hours to create pre-charged biochar; and drying the pre-charged biochar. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present application is further detailed with respect to the following drawings. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, but rather, illustrate certain attributes thereof. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic side view of a system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary modular bioreactor system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, shown with modules that can be coupled and decoupled; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cascading transfer bioreactor system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an open raceway pond bioreactor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, shown with turning vanes and thrusters; 
         FIG. 8  is a graph showing the percentage charging effect in mass over the control (i.e. raw biochar); 
         FIG. 9  is a graph showing the relative percentage change over the control (i.e. raw biochar) in active carbon, soil protein, and water holding capacity of soil that is treated with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae or that is treated with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; 
         FIG. 10  is a line graph showing a comparison of the change in protein in the soil after being treated with microalgae composition alone, with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae, or with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; 
         FIG. 11  is a line graph showing a comparison of the change in active carbon in the soil after being treated with microalgae composition alone, with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae, or with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; 
         FIG. 12  is a line graph showing a comparison of the change in water holding capacity in the soil after being treated with microalgae composition alone, with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae, or with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; 
         FIG. 13  is line graph showing a comparison of the change in total dissolved solids in the soil after being treated with microalgae composition alone, with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae, or with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; 
         FIG. 14  is a line graph showing a comparison of the change in total suspended solids in the soil after being treated with microalgae composition alone, with pre-charged biochar that was directly treated with microalgae, or with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae; and 
         FIG. 15  is a graph showing a comparison of the change in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and sodium in the soil after being treated with pre-charged biochar that was pre-seasoned first before being treated with microalgae, as compared to soil treated with raw biochar and, and as compared to soil treated with an alternative processed biochar. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims. 
     Biochar generally describes vegetative matter or biomass that has undergone thermal decomposition in a reduced oxygen atmosphere (e.g., in order to mitigate combustion); resulting in a solid material of a charcoal-like consistency with a high carbon content. Biochar is a highly porous material that is often used for agricultural purposes, such as to improve soil conditions. Biochar has found other uses, such as to improve resource use efficiency, for remediation and/or mitigation of the effects of environmental pollution, and for greenhouse gas remediation (e.g., carbon dioxide sequestration). The carbon found in the biochar can remain stable for millennia, thereby providing a simple, sustainable means to sequester historic carbon emissions. The creation of biochar from biomass locks approximately 50% of the carbon that the plants absorbed as CO 2  from the atmosphere into the resulting solid. The carbon in biochar is typically inert, with a low chemical and biological reactivity, and is strongly resistant to decomposition. 
     Biochar can be generated by pyrolyzing a biomass feedstock in the pyrolysis system to produce structured biochar (e.g., having a desirable porosity and/or pore size). As an example, the feedstock to the pyrolysis system can comprise any suitable biomass matter (e.g., vegetative matter), such as seed crops, byproducts in food crop production, waste products from farming, food production, cooking, municipal or other landscaping operations, or other conventional sources, and/or algae. As another example, the pyrolysis system may utilize microwave assisted pyrolysis. Pyrolysis in general, includes the chemical decomposition of hydrocarbon materials by heating in low (e.g., or the absence of) oxygen or any other reagents. Pyrolysis is one way that biochar or charcoal may be produced wherein extremely high temperatures, e.g. 450° C.-500° C., and high pressure is used. For example, pyrolysis, including microwave assisted pyrolysis, is a typical treatment for organic raw material, such as to form biochar. Other systems may include more conventional sources of direct heating of the feedstock in low oxygen atmospheres. The invention disclosed herein does not use pyrolysis because the high temperatures would kill the healthy microbes. 
     Microalgae are simple, generally aquatic organisms that, like plants, use energy from sunlight to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into biomass through photosynthesis. Certain strains of microalgae have been used in agriculture for many years as biofertilizer and soil stabilizers. Microalgae has been used in agricultural products and has been known to increase soil water holding capacity after application to plants and/or their surrounding soil. The increase in soil water holding capacity has the potential to improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and enhance productivity in crop plants. Although it has been shown that the application of microalgae alone to soil may improve overall soil health, the co-application and synergistic effects of microalgae, when combined with other products, may yield greater effects. 
     In one aspect, as disclosed herein, combining a specific composition of a microalgae product with raw biochar, can increase the beneficial effects of biochar and microalgae for plant growth and production. This mixture of the microalgae composition and biochar could be added to a field during the pre-planting stage, for example. In this method, surface mulching or bedding the biochar about 2-6 inches below the ground can be used throughout the entire plant cycle, but may be applied at lower than normal rates. Reapplication of the microalgae pre-charged biochar may be performed, depending on the plant, crop, seasonal variations, etc. In this aspect, the microalgae pre-charged biochar may have an ability to help construct soil, conserve water, and retain nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, boron, manganese, copper, etc.)—which the plant roots will be able to access more efficiently. 
     In one aspect, the biochar can be pre-charged with biologicals, for example, microalgae. In one implementation in this aspect, pre-charging (e.g., resulting in charged biochar) can comprise a process that allows microalgae (e.g., and nutrients) to be deposited into the biochar, such as in the structured portions of the biochar. As an example, structured biochar comprises pores (e.g., the size and number may be varied by the type of feedstock to the pyrolysis, and the heating process used for pyrolysis) which may be nucleation sites for microalgae and/or plant nutrients during the charging process, resulting in biochar that comprises deposits (e.g., stored in the pores) of a desired microalgae composition. For example, a microalgae composition may comprise one or more species or types of microalgae, as described below. 
     In one implementation, in this aspect, a structured raw biochar (e.g., selected for pore size and overall porosity based on the target vegetation) can be pre-seasoned with fresh water, in a bath, drum, or other type of vessel. Pre-seasoning can comprise the step of soaking the raw biochar for between 12-24 hours in water that is at room temperature (20° C.-25° C.). Soaking the raw biochar in water helps to open the pores of the biochar in order to allow water to penetrate at least a portion of the pores in the biochar (e.g., and be stored within). In this implementation, after the biochar is pre-seasoned with water, the raw biochar is removed from the water so that excess water may be drained from it. A microalgae composition is then added to the wet raw biochar at room temperature (20° C.-25° C.) to create a pre-charging mixture comprising a 1:2 ratio of raw biochar to microalgae cells. In order to do this, a microalgae composition may be added to the pre-seasoning water (or the pre-seasoning water can be drained, or biochar removed, and a new solution with the microalgae can be added to the biochar). Alternatively, the wet raw biochar may be added to another container that houses the microalgae composition. The pre-charging mixture comprising the raw biochar and the microalgae composition may then be incubated until fully charged; e.g. for approximately 12-24 hours. 
     In another implementation, a selected composition of microalgae may be directly added to dry raw biochar to create the pre-charging mixture; i.e. the microalgae composition may be added to the dry raw biochar without pre-seasoning the biochar in water. The microalgae composition may be added to the raw biochar at room temperature (20° C.-25° C.) to create a pre-charging mixture comprising a 1:2 ratio of raw biochar to microalgae cells. In order to do this, the dry raw biochar may be added to container that houses the microalgae composition. The pre-charging mixture comprising the raw biochar and the microalgae composition may then be incubated until fully charged; e.g. for approximately 12-24 hours. 
     For both charging methods, incubation of the pre-charging mixture comprises the steps of heating and purging. The purpose of heating the pre-charging mixture is to heat up the biochar enough to open its pores so that the microalgae and nutrients may enter the pores and remain in the pores of the biochar. While heating the pre-charging mixture at 37° C., for either the first charging method or the second charging method, is the optimal temperature to allow all of the beneficial microbes in the microalgae to thrive, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be achieved if the biochar is heated at an alternative temperature between the range of 24° C.-60° C. The appropriate temperature for heating the pre-charging mixture will be any temperature that will allow the biochar to heat up enough to open the pores of the biochar so that the microalgae and nutrients may enter the pores and remain in the pores of the biochar. Deviation from the ideal 37° C. heating temperature may require adjustment to the duration of the heating period. For example, heating at a lower temperature of 24° C. may require that the biochar be allowed to heat for a longer period of time; e.g. 7 days. As a further example, heating at a higher temperature of 60° C. may require that the biochar be heated for less than 12 hours in order to prevent the healthy microbes from being deactivated by the heat. When the pre-charged biochar is harvested, it is rinsed with very cold water in order to close its pores and seal the microalgae and nutrients within the pores of the biochar. Any excess microalgae is removed from the pre-charged biochar and the pre-charged biochar is then dried at a temperature between 75° C.-105° C., where 105° C. would be optimal, to further seal the microalgae and nutrients into the pre-charged biochar. 
     For both charging methods, purging comprises the steps of pumping atmospheric gas through a tube and into the culture contained within an incubator with a cap and vacuum seal so that the only air coming in is through the tube. Air is pumped into the air for the whole incubation period at a flow rate of 90-120 gallons/hour; e.g. 24 hours. This purging process: 1) helps to avoid bacterial contamination; and 2) helps the microalgae and nutrients penetrate the pores of the biochar. If there were no pumping of air, there would be no circulation, which may cause the healthy microbes (under heat) to become deactivated from anaerobic decomposition. 
     Both charging processes are conducted without high pressure. If the biochar was pre-charged at high pressures, the healthy microbes would become deactivated. Therefore, both charging processes are conducted at atmospheric pressure. 
     In one implementation, the microalgae composition can comprise 10% w/w mixture of solid microalgae cells. Further, the pre-seasoned biochar can be exposed to the microalgae composition during a supercharging stage, which may comprise from 12-24 hours (e.g., or less, or more). In one example, the mixture may be purged periodically (e.g., one or more times). In this implementation, for example, this process can promote nutrients and microalgae to adhere to the biochar, such as in the nucleation sites of the pores of the biochar; and may also mitigate contamination of the resulting “charged” biochar. 
     In this aspect, the efficacy of a resulting product (e.g., of the biochar charging process), has been demonstrated, through multiple lab and field experiments, to increase soil water holding capacity by at least 2.5 times over untreated soil, after application of the microalgae-charged biochar products in agricultural applications. For example, this result allows the potential to improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and enhance productivity in crop plants. 
     The term “microalgae” refers to microscopic single cell organisms such as microalgae, cyanobacteria, algae, diatoms, dinoflagellates, freshwater organisms, marine organisms, or other similar single cell organisms capable of growth in phototrophic, mixotrophic, or heterotrophic culture conditions. 
     In some embodiments, microalgae biomass, excreted products, or extracts may be sourced from multiple types of microalgae, to make a composition that is beneficial when applied to plants or soil. Non-limiting examples of microalgae that can be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention comprise microalgae in the classes: Eustigmatophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Haptophyceae, Cyanidiophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, Porphyridiophyceae, Labyrinthulomycetes, Trebouxiophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. The class Cyanidiophyceae includes species of  Galdieria . The class Chlorophyceae includes species of  Chlorella, Haematococcus, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas , and  Micractinium . The class Prymnesiophyceae includes species of  Isochrysis  and  Pavlova . The class Eustigmatophyceae includes species of  Nannochloropsis . The class Porphyridiophyceae includes species of  Porphyridium . The class Labyrinthulomycetes includes species of  Schizochytrium  and  Aurantiochytrium . The class Prasinophyceae includes species of  Tetraselmis . The class Trebouxiophyceae includes species of  Chlorella . The class Bacillariophyceae includes species of  Phaeodactylum . The class Cyanophyceae includes species of  Spirulina.    
     Non-limiting examples of microalgae genus and species that can be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention, alone or in combination, include:  Achnanthes orientalis, Agmenellum  spp.,  Amphiprora hyaline, Amphora coffeiformis, Amphora coffeiformis  var.  linea, Amphora coffeiformis  var.  punctata, Amphora coffeiformis  var.  taylori, Amphora coffeiformis  var.  tenuis, Amphora delicatissima, Amphora delicatissima  var.  capitata, Amphora  sp.,  Anabaena, Ankistrodesmus, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Aurantiochytrium  sp.,  Boekelovia hooglandii, Borodinella  sp.,  Botryococcus braunii, Botryococcus sudeticus, Bracteococcus minor, Bracteococcus medionucleatus, Carteria, Chaetoceros gracilis, Chaetoceros muelleri, Chaetoceros muelleri  var.  subsalsum, Chaetoceros  sp.,  Chlamydomonas  sp.,  Chlamydomas perigranulata, Chlorella anitrata, Chlorella Antarctica, Chlorella aureoviridis, Chlorella Candida, Chlorella capsulate, Chlorella desiccate, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella emersonii, Chlorella fusca, Chlorella fusca  var.  vacuolate, Chlorella glucotropha, Chlorella infusionum, Chlorella infusionum  var.  actophila, Chlorella infusionum  var.  auxenophila, Chlorella kessleri, Chlorella lobophora, Chlorella luteoviridis, Chlorella luteoviridis  var.  aureoviridis, Chlorella luteoviridis  var.  lutescens, Chlorella miniata, Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella mutabilis, Chlorella nocturna, Chlorella ovalis, Chlorella parva, Chlorella photophila, Chlorella pringsheimii, Chlorella protothecoides, Chlorella protothecoides  var.  acidicola, Chlorella regularis, Chlorella regularis  var.  minima, Chlorella regularis  var.  umbricata, Chlorella reisiglii, Chlorella saccharophila, Chlorella saccharophila  var.  ellipsoidea, Chlorella salina, Chlorella simplex, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella  sp.,  Chlorella sphaerica, Chlorella stigmatophora, Chlorella vanniellii, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris  fo.  tertia, Chlorella vulgaris  var.  autotrophica, Chlorella vulgaris  var.  viridis, Chlorella vulgaris  var.  vulgaris, Chlorella vulgaris  var.  vulgaris  fo.  tertia, Chlorella vulgaris  var.  vulgaris  fo.  viridis, Chlorella xanthella, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorella trebouxioides, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum infusionum, Chlorococcum  sp.,  Chlorogonium, Chroomonas  sp.,  Chrysosphaera  sp.,  Cricosphaera  sp.,  Crypthecodinium cohnii, Cryptomonas  sp.,  Cyclotella cryptica, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Cyclotella  sp.,  Dunaliella  sp.,  Dunaliella bardawil, Dunaliella bioculata, Dunaliella granulate, Dunaliella maritime, Dunaliella minuta, Dunaliella parva, Dunaliella peircei, Dunaliella primolecta, Dunaliella salina, Dunaliella terricola, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Dunaliella viridis, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Eremosphaera viridis, Eremosphaera  sp.,  Ellipsoidon  sp.,  Euglena  spp.,  Franceia  sp.,  Fragilaria crotonensis, Fragilaria  sp.,  Galdieria  sp.,  Gleocapsa  sp.,  Gloeothamnion  sp.,  Haematococcus pluvialis, Hymenomonas  sp.,  Isochrysis  aff.  galbana, Isochrysis galbana, Lepocinclis, Micractinium, Monoraphidium minutum, Monoraphidium  sp.,  Nannochloris  sp.,  Nannochloropsis salina, Nannochloropsis  sp.,  Navicula acceptata, Navicula biskanterae, Navicula pseudotenelloides, Navicula pelliculosa, Navicula saprophila, Navicula  sp.,  Nephrochloris  sp.,  Nephroselmis  sp.,  Nitschia communis, Nitzschia alexandrina, Nitzschia closterium, Nitzschia communis, Nitzschia dissipata, Nitzschia frustulum, Nitzschia hantzschiana, Nitzschia inconspicua, Nitzschia intermedia, Nitzschia microcephala, Nitzschia pusilla, Nitzschia pusilla elliptica, Nitzschia pusilla monoensis, Nitzschia quadrangular, Nitzschia  sp.,  Ochromonas  sp.,  Oocystis parva, Oocystis pusilla, Oocystis  sp.,  Oscillatoria limnetica, Oscillatoria  sp.,  Oscillatoria subbrevis, Parachlorella kessleri, Pascheria acidophila, Pavlova  sp.,  Phaeodactylum tricomutum, Phagus, Phormidium, Platymonas  sp.,  Pleurochrysis camerae, Pleurochrysis dentate, Pleurochrysis  sp.,  Porphyridium  sp.,  Prototheca wickerhamii, Prototheca stagnora, Prototheca portoricensis, Prototheca moriformis, Prototheca zopfii, Pseudochlorella aquatica, Pyramimonas  sp.,  Pyrobotrys, Rhodococcus opacus, Sarcinoid chrysophyte, Scenedesmus armatus, Schizochytrium, Spirogyra, Spirulina platensis, Stichococcus  sp.,  Synechococcus  sp.,  Synechocystisf, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, Tetraedron, Tetraselmis  sp.,  Tetraselmis suecica, Thalassiosira weissflogii , and  Viridiella fridericiana.    
     Taxonomic classification has been in flux for organisms in the genus  Schizochytrium . Some organisms previously classified as  Schizochytrium  have been reclassified as  Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium , or  Oblongichytrium . See Yokoyama et al. Taxonomic rearrangement of the genus  Schizochytrium  sensu lato based on morphology, chemotaxonomic characteristics, and 18S rRNA gene phylogeny (Thrausochytriaceae, Labyrinthulomycetes): emendation for  Schizochytrium  and erection of  Aurantiochytrium  and  Oblongichytrium  gen. nov. Mycoscience (2007) 48:199-211. Those of skill in the art will recognize that  Schizochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium , and  Oblongichytrium  appear closely related in many taxonomic classification trees for microalgae, and strains and species may be reclassified from time to time. Thus, for references throughout the instant specification for  Schizochytrium , it is recognized that microalgae strains in related taxonomic classifications with similar characteristics to  Schizochytrium , such as  Aurantiochytrium , would reasonably be expected to produce similar results. 
     In some embodiments, the microalgae may be cultured in phototrophic, mixotrophic, or heterotrophic culture conditions in an aqueous culture medium. The organic carbon sources suitable for growing microalgae mixotrophically or heterotrophically may comprise: acetate, acetic acid, ammonium linoleate, arabinose, arginine, aspartic acid, butyric acid, cellulose, citric acid, ethanol, fructose, fatty acids, galactose, glucose, glycerol, glycine, lactic acid, lactose, maleic acid, maltose, mannose, methanol, molasses, peptone, plant based hydrolyzate, proline, propionic acid, ribose, saccharose, partial or complete hydrolysates of starch, sucrose, tartaric, TCA-cycle organic acids, thin stillage, urea, industrial waste solutions, yeast extract, and combinations thereof. The organic carbon source may comprise any single source, combination of sources, and dilutions of single sources or combinations of sources. In some embodiments, the microalgae may be cultured in axenic conditions. In some embodiments, the microalgae may be cultured in non-axenic conditions. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the microalgae of the culture in an aqueous culture medium may comprise  Chlorella  sp. cultured in mixotrophic conditions comprising a culture medium primary comprised of water with trace nutrients (e.g., nitrates, phosphates, vitamins, metals found in BG-11 recipe [available from UTEX The Culture Collection of Algae at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.]), light as an energy source for photosynthesis, and organic carbon (e.g., acetate, acetic acid) as both an energy source and a source of carbon. In some embodiments, the culture media may comprise BG-11 media or a media derived from BG-11 culture media (e.g., in which additional component(s) are added to the media and/or one or more elements of the media is increased by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 33%, 50%, or more over unmodified BG-11 media). In some embodiments, the  Chlorella  may be cultured in non-axenic mixotrophic conditions in the presence of contaminating organisms, such as but not limited to bacteria. Additional detail on methods of culturing such microalgae in non-axenic mixotrophic conditions may be found in WO2014/074769A2 (Ganuza, et al.), which is incorporated herein in full by reference. 
     In some embodiments, by artificially controlling aspects of the microalgae culturing process such as the organic carbon feed (e.g., acetic acid, acetate), oxygen levels, pH, and light, the culturing process differs from the culturing process that microalgae experiences in nature. In addition to controlling various aspects of the culturing process, intervention by human operators or automated systems occurs during the non-axenic mixotrophic culturing of microalgae through contamination control methods to prevent the microalgae from being overrun and outcompeted by contaminating organisms (e.g., fungi, bacteria). Contamination control methods for microalgae cultures are known in the art and such suitable contamination control methods for non-axenic mixotrophic microalgae cultures are disclosed in WO2014/074769A2 (Ganuza, et al.), which is incorporated herein in full by reference. By intervening in the microalgae culturing process, the impact of the contaminating microorganisms can be mitigated by suppressing the proliferation of contaminating organism populations and the effect on the microalgal cells (e.g., lysing, infection, death, clumping). Thus, through artificial control of aspects of the culturing process and intervening in the culturing process with contamination control methods, the microalgae culture produced as a whole and used in the described inventive compositions differs from the culture that results from a microalgae culturing process that occurs in nature. 
     In some embodiments, during the culturing process the microalgae culture may also comprise cell debris and compounds excreted from the microalgae cells into the culture medium. The output of the microalgae culturing process provides the active ingredient for composition that is applied to plants for improving yield and quality without separate addition to or supplementation of the composition with other active ingredients not found in the mixotrophic microalgae whole cells and accompanying culture medium from the culturing process such as, but not limited to: microalgae extracts, macroalgae, macroalgae extracts, liquid fertilizers, granular fertilizers, mineral complexes (e.g., calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, cobalt, silicon), fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, digestate solids, chemicals (e.g., ethanolamine, borax, boric acid), humic acid, nitrogen and nitrogen derivatives, phosphorus rock, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, enzymes, plant fiber (e.g., coconut fiber). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system  100 , according to an embodiment. System  100  is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System  100  can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein and such adjustments or changes can be selected by one or ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. 
     System  100  comprises a bioreactor  101  that includes a bioreactor cavity  102  and one or more bioreactor walls  103 . Further, bioreactor  101  can include one or more bioreactor fittings  104 , one or more gas delivery devices  105 , one or more flexible tubes  106 , one or more parameter sensing devices  109 , and/or one or more pressure regulators  117 . 
     In many embodiments, bioreactor fitting(s)  104  can include one or more gas delivery fittings  107 , one or more fluidic support medium delivery fittings  110 , one or more organic carbon material delivery fittings  111 , one or more bioreactor exhaust fittings  112 , one or more bioreactor sample fittings  113 , and/or one or more parameter sensing device fittings  121 . In these or other embodiments, flexible tube(s)  106  can include one or more gas delivery tubes  108 , one or more organic carbon material delivery tubes  116 , one or more bioreactor sample tubes  123 , and/or one or more fluidic support medium delivery tubes  115 . Further, in these or other embodiments, parameter sensing device(s)  109  can include one or more pressure sensors  118 , one or more temperature sensors  119 , one or more pH sensors  120 , and/or one or more chemical sensors  122 . 
     Bioreactor  101  is operable to vitally support (e.g., sustain, grow, nurture, cultivate, among others) one or more organisms (e.g., one or more macroorganisms, one or more microorganisms, and the like). In these or other embodiments, the organism(s) can include one or more autotrophic organisms or one or more heterotrophic organisms. In further embodiments, the organism(s) can comprise one or more mixotrophic organisms. In many embodiments, the organism(s) can comprise one or more phototrophic organisms. In still other embodiments, the organism(s) can comprise one or more genetically modified organisms. In some embodiments, the organism(s) vitally supported by bioreactor  101  can comprise one or more organism(s) of a single type, multiple single organisms of different types, or multiple ones of one or more organisms of different types. 
     In many embodiments, exemplary microorganism (s) that bioreactor  101  may be implemented to vitally support can include algae (e.g., microalgae), fungi (e.g., mold), and/or cyanobacteria. For example, in many embodiments, bioreactor  101  can be implemented to vitally support multiple types of microalgae such as, but not limited to, microalgae in the classes: Eustigmatophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Haptophyceae, Cyanidiophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, Porphyridiophyceae, Labyrinthulomycetes, Trebouxiophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. The class Cyanidiophyceae includes species of  Galdieria . The class Chlorophyceae includes species of  Chlorella, Haematococcus, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas , and  Micractinium . The class Prymnesiophyceae includes species of  Isochrysis  and  Pavlova . The class Eustigmatophyceae includes species of  Nannochloropsis . The class Porphyridiophyceae includes species of  Porphyridium . The class Labyrinthulomycetes includes species of  Schizochytrium  and  Aurantiochytrium . The class Prasinophyceae includes species of  Tetraselmis . The class Trebouxiophyceae includes species of  Chlorella . The class Bacillariophyceae includes species of  Phaeodactylum . The class Cyanophyceae includes species of  Spirulina . Further still, in many embodiments, bioreactor  101  can be implemented to vitally support microalgae genus and species as described herein. 
     Bioreactor cavity  102  can hold (e.g., contain or store) the organism(s) being vitally supported by bioreactor  101 , and in many embodiments, also can contain a fluidic support medium configured to hold, and in many embodiments, submerge the organism(s). In many embodiments, the fluidic support medium can comprise a culture medium, and the culture medium can comprise, for example, water. The bioreactor cavity  102  can be at least partially formed and enclosed by one or more bioreactor wall(s)  103 . When the bioreactor  101  is implemented with bioreactor fitting(s)  104 , bioreactor fitting(s)  104  together with bioreactor wall(s)  103  can fully form and enclose bioreactor cavity  102 . Further, as explained in greater detail below, bioreactor wall(s)  103  and one or more of bioreactor fitting(s)  104 , as applicable, can be operable to at least partially (e.g., fully) seal the contents of bioreactor cavity  102  (e.g., the organism(s) and/or fluidic support medium) within bioreactor cavity  102 . As a result, the bioreactor  101  can maintain conditions mitigating the risk of introducing foreign (e.g., unintended) and/or contaminating organisms to bioreactor cavity  102 . In other words, bioreactor  101  can engender the dominance (e.g., proliferation) of certain (e.g., intended) organism(s) being vitally supported at bioreactor  102  over foreign (e g, unintended) and/or contaminating organisms. For example, bioreactor  101  can maintain substantially (e.g., absolutely) axenic conditions in the bioreactor cavity  102 . 
     Bioreactor wall(s)  103  comprise one or more bioreactor wall materials. When bioreactor wall(s)  103  comprise multiple bioreactor walls, two or more of the bioreactor walls can comprise the same bioreactor wall material(s) and/or two or more of the bioreactor walls can comprise different bioreactor wall material(s). In many embodiments, part or all of the bioreactor wall material(s) can comprise (e.g., consist of) one or more flexible materials. In some embodiments, bioreactor  101  can comprise a bag bioreactor. 
     In these or other embodiments, part or all of the bioreactor wall material(s) (e.g., the flexible material(s)) can comprise one or more partially transparent (e.g., fully transparent) and/or partially translucent (e.g., fully translucent) materials, such as, for example, when bioreactor  101  comprises a photobioreactor (e.g., when the organism(s) comprise phototrophic organism(s)). For example, implementing the bioreactor wall material(s) (e.g., the flexible material(s)) with at least partially transparent or translucent materials can permit light radiation to pass through bioreactor wall(s)  103  to be used as an energy source by the organism(s) contained at bioreactor cavity  102 . Still, in some embodiments, bioreactor  101  can vitally support phototrophic organisms when the bioreactor wall material(s) (e.g., the flexible material(s)) of bioreactor wall(s)  103  are opaque, such as, for example, by providing sources of light radiation internal to bioreactor cavity  102 . Further, in some embodiments, part or all of the bioreactor wall material(s) (e.g., the flexible material(s)) can comprise one or more selectively partially transparent (e.g., fully transparent) and/or partially translucent (e.g., fully translucent) materials, able to shift from opaque to at least partial transparency (e.g., full transparency) or at least partial translucency (e.g., full translucency). 
     Bioreactor cavity  102  can comprise a cavity volume. The cavity volume of bioreactor cavity  102  can comprise any desirable volume. However, in some embodiments, the cavity volume can be constrained by an available geometry (e.g., the dimensions) of the sheet material(s) used to manufacture bioreactor wall(s)  103 . Other factors that can constrain the cavity volume can include a light penetration depth through bioreactor wall(s)  103  and into bioreactor cavity  102  (e.g., when the organism(s) vitally supported by bioreactor  101  are phototrophic organism(s)), a size of an available autoclave for sterilizing bioreactor  101 , and/or a size of a support structure implemented to mechanically support bioreactor  101 . For example, the support structure can be similar or identical to support structure  323  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and/or support structure  423  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic side view of a system  200 , according to an embodiment. System  200  is a non-limiting example of system  100  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Yet, system  200  of  FIG. 2  can be modified or substantially similar to the system  100  of  FIG. 1  and such modifications can be selected by one or ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this innovation. 
     System  200  can comprise bioreactor  201 , bioreactor cavity  202 , one or more bioreactor walls  203 , one or more gas delivery devices  205 , one or more gas delivery fittings  207 , one or more gas delivery tubes  208 , one or more fluidic support medium delivery fittings  210 , one or more organic carbon material delivery fittings  211 , one or more bioreactor exhaust fittings  212 , one or more bioreactor sample fittings  213 , one or more organic carbon material delivery tubes  214 , one or more bioreactor sample tubes  215 , one or more fluidic support medium delivery tubes  216 , and one or more parameter sensing device fittings  221 . In some embodiments, bioreactor  201  can be similar or identical to bioreactor  101  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); bioreactor cavity  202  can be similar or identical to bioreactor cavity  102  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); bioreactor wall(s)  203  can be similar or identical to bioreactor wall(s)  103  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); gas delivery device(s)  205  can be similar or identical to gas delivery device(s)  105  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); gas delivery fitting(s)  207  can be similar or identical to gas delivery fitting(s)  107  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); gas delivery tube(s)  208  can be similar or identical to gas delivery tube(s)  108  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); fluidic support medium delivery fitting(s)  210  can be similar or identical to fluidic support medium delivery fitting(s)  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); organic carbon material delivery fitting(s)  211  can be similar or identical to organic carbon material delivery fitting(s)  111  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); bioreactor exhaust fitting(s)  212  can be similar or identical to bioreactor exhaust fitting(s)  112  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); bioreactor sample fitting(s)  213  can be similar or identical to bioreactor sample fitting(s)  113  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); organic carbon material delivery tube(s)  214  can be similar or identical to organic carbon material delivery tube(s)  116  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); bioreactor sample tube(s)  215  can be similar or identical to bioreactor sample tube(s)  123  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); fluidic support medium delivery tube(s)  216  can be similar or identical to fluidic support medium delivery tube(s)  115  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ); and/or parameter sensing device fitting(s)  221  can be similar or identical to parameter sensing device fitting(s)  121  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Turning ahead now in the drawings,  FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system  300 , according to an embodiment. System  300  is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System  300  can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. 
     System  300  comprises a support structure  323 . As explained in greater detail below, support structure  323  is operable to mechanically support one or more bioreactors  324 . In these or other embodiments, as also explained in greater detail below, support structure  323  can be operable to maintain a set point temperature of one or more of bioreactor(s)  324 . In many embodiments, one or more of bioreactor(s)  324  can be similar or identical to bioreactor  101  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or bioreactor  201  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, the term set point temperature can refer to the set point temperature as defined above with respect to system  100  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Further, when bioreactor(s)  324  comprise multiple bioreactors, two or more of bioreactor(s)  324  can be similar or identical to each other and/or two or more of bioreactor(s)  324  can be different form each other. For example, the bioreactor wall materials of the bioreactor walls of two or more of bioreactor(s)  324  can be different. In some embodiments, system  300  can comprise one or more of bioreactor(s)  324 . 
     In many embodiments, support structure  323  comprises one or more support substructures  325 . Each support substructure of support substructure(s)  325  can mechanically support one bioreactor or more bioreactor(s)  324 . In these or other embodiments, each support substructure of support substructure(s)  325  can maintain a set point temperature of one bioreactor of bioreactor(s)  324 . In further embodiments, each of support substructure(s)  325  can be similar or identical to each other. 
     For example, support substructure(s)  325  can comprise a first support substructure  326  and a second support substructure  327 . In these embodiments, first support substructure  326  can mechanically support a first bioreactor  328  of bioreactor(s)  324 , and second support substructure  327  can mechanically support a second bioreactor  329  of bioreactor(s)  324 . Further, first support substructure  326  can comprise a first frame  330  and a second frame  331 , and second support substructure  327  can comprise a first frame  332  and a second frame  333 . In many embodiments, first frame  330  can be similar or identical to first frame  332 , and second frame  331  can be similar or identical to second frame  333 . Further, first frame  330  can be similar to second frame  331 , and first frame  332  can be similar to second frame  333 . It is to be appreciated that the first support substructure  326  can include one or more frames of a first material and the second support substructure  327  can include one or more frames of a second material. 
     As indicated above, first support substructure  326  can be similar or identical to second support substructure  327 . Accordingly, to increase the clarity of the description of system  300  generally, the description of second support substructure  327  is limited so as not to be redundant with respect to first support substructure  326 . 
     In many embodiments, first frame  330  and second frame  331  together can mechanically support first bioreactor  328  in interposition between first frame  330  and second frame  331 . That is, bioreactor  328  can be sandwiched between first frame  330  and second frame  331  at a slot formed between first frame  330  and second frame  331 . In these or other embodiments, first frame  330  and second frame  331  together can mechanically support first bioreactor  328  in an approximately vertical orientation. Further, first frame  330  and second frame  331  can be oriented approximately parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the first frame  330  and the second frame  331  can be perpendicular to one another. 
     In many embodiments, second frame  331  can be selectively moveable relative to first frame  330  so that the volume of the slot formed between first frame  330  and second frame  331  can be adjusted. For example, second frame  331  can be supported by one or more wheels permitting second frame  331  to be rolled closer to or further from first frame  330 . Meanwhile, in these or other embodiments, second frame  331  can be coupled to first frame  330  by one or more adjustable coupling mechanisms. The adjustable coupling mechanism(s) can hold second frame  331  in a desired position relative to first frame  330  while being adjustable so that the position can be changed when desirable. In implementation, the adjustable coupling mechanism (s) can comprise one or more threaded screws extending between first frame  330  and second frame  331 , such as, for example, in a direction orthogonal to first frame  330  and second frame  331 . Turning the threaded screws can cause second frame  331  to move (e.g., on the wheel(s)) relative to first frame  330 . 
     Meanwhile, in some embodiments, first frame  330  can be operable to maintain a set point temperature of first bioreactor  328  when first bioreactor  328  is operating to vitally support one or more organisms and when support structure  300  (e.g., first support substructure  326 , first frame  330 , and/or second frame  331 ) is mechanically supporting first bioreactor  328 . In these or other embodiments, second frame  331  can be operable to maintain the set point temperature of first bioreactor  328  when first bioreactor  328  is operating to vitally support the organism(s) and when support structure  300  (e.g., second support substructure  327 , first frame  330 , and/or second frame  331 ) is mechanically supporting first bioreactor  328 . 
     As indicated above, in many embodiments, in many embodiments, second frame  331  can be similar or identical to first frame  330 . Accordingly, second frame  331  can comprise multiple second frame rails  335 . Meanwhile, second frame rails  335  can be similar or identical to first frame rails  334 . In some embodiments, the hollow conduits of first frame rails  334  can be coupled to hollow conduits of  335 . In these embodiments, the hollow conduits of first frame rails  334  and second frame rails  335  can receive the temperature maintenance fluid from the same source. However, in these or other embodiments, the hollow conduits of first frame rails  334  and the hollow conduits of second frame rails  335  can receive the temperature maintenance fluid from different sources. 
     In many embodiments, first support substructure  326  comprises a floor gap  336 . Floor gap  336  can be located underneath one of first frame  330  or second frame  331 . Floor gap  336  can permit first bioreactor  328  to bulge into floor gap  336  past first support substructure  326  when first support substructure  326  is mechanically supporting first bioreactor  328 . Permitting first bioreactor  328  to bulge into floor gap  336  can relieve stress from first bioreactor  328 . For example, in many embodiments, bioreactor(s)  324  can experience the greatest amount of stress at their base(s) when being mechanically supported in a vertical position, such as, for example, by support structure  323 . In these embodiments, permitting first bioreactor  328  to bulge into floor gap  336  such that first support substructure  326  is not restraining first bioreactor  328  at floor gap  336  can relieve more stress from first bioreactor  328  than constraining all of first bioreactor  328  at both sides with first frame  330  and second frame  331 , even if first frame  330  and second frame  331  are reinforced. 
     System  300  (e.g., support structure  323 ) can comprise one or more light sources  337 . Light source(s)  337  can be operable to illuminate the organism(s) being vitally supported at bioreactor(s)  324 . In many embodiments, second frame  331  can comprise and/or mechanically support one or more frame light source(s)  338  of light source(s)  337 . Meanwhile, system  300  (e.g., support structure  323 ) can comprise one or more central light source(s)  339 . In these or other embodiments, support substructure(s)  325  (e.g., first support substructure  326  and second support substructure  327 ) can be mirrored about a central vertical plane of support structure  323 . Accordingly, central light source(s)  339  can be interpositioned between first support substructure  326  and second support substructure  327  so that first bioreactor  328  and second bioreactor  329  each can receive light from central light source(s)  339 . 
     In implementation, light source(s)  337  (e.g., frame light source(s)  338  and/or central light source(s)  339 ) can comprise one or more banks of light bulbs and/or light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, light source(s)  337  (e.g., the light bulbs and/or light emitting diodes) can emit one or more wavelengths of light, as desirable for the particular organism(s) being vitally supported by bioreactor(s)  324 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more light sources  337  may be provided on one side of the bioreactors  324 , and a second side of the bioreactors  324  may have no lighting devices or may have the panels with light sources pivoted open. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a system  300  can include light sources  337  on a first side and an open second side to gather natural light. 
     Advantageously, because each support substructure of support substructure(s)  325  can maintain a set point temperature of different ones of bioreactor(s)  324 , each of bioreactor(s)  324  can be maintained at a set point temperature independently of each other. For example, when bioreactor(s)  324  are vitally supporting different types of organism(s), bioreactor(s)  324  can comprise different set point temperatures. Nonetheless, in many embodiments, bioreactor(s)  324  can comprise the same set point temperatures. 
     Meanwhile, in many embodiments, system  300  can comprise gas manifold  340 , organic carbon material manifold  341 , nutritional media manifold  342 , and/or temperature maintenance fluid manifold  343 . Gas manifold  340  can be operable to provide gas to one or more gas delivery fittings of bioreactor(s)  324 . The gas delivery fitting(s) can be similar or identical to gas delivery fitting(s)  107  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or gas delivery fitting(s)  207  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Further, organic carbon material manifold  341  can be operable to deliver organic carbon material to one or more organic carbon material delivery fittings of bioreactor(s)  324 . The organic carbon material delivery fitting(s) can be similar or identical to organic carbon material delivery fitting(s)  111  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or organic carbon material delivery fitting(s)  211  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Further still, nutritional media manifold  342  can be operable to provide nutritional media to one or more fluidic support medium delivery fittings of bioreactor(s)  324 . The fluidic support medium delivery fitting(s) can be similar or identical to fluidic support medium delivery fitting(s)  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or fluidic support medium delivery fitting(s)  210  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Meanwhile, temperature maintenance fluid manifold can be configured to provide the temperature maintenance fluid to the hollow conduits of first frame  330  and/or second frame  331 . 
     Gas manifold  340 , organic carbon material manifold  341 , nutritional media manifold  342 , and/or temperature maintenance fluid manifold  343  each can comprise one or more tubes, one or more valves, one or more gaskets, one or more reservoirs, one or more pumps, and/or control logic (e.g., one or more computer processors, one or more transitory memory storage modules, and/or one or more non-transitory memory storage modules) configured to perform their respective functions. In these embodiments, the control logic can communicate with one or more parameter sensing devices of bioreactor(s)  324  to determine when to perform their respective functions (i.e., according to the needs of the organism(s) being vitally supported by bioreactor(s)  324 ). The parameter sensing device(s) can be similar or identical to parameter sensing device(s)  109  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400 , according to an embodiment. System  400  is a non-limiting example of system  300  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Yet, system  400  of  FIG. 4  can be modified or substantially similar to the system  300  of  FIG. 3  and such modifications can be selected by one or ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this innovation. 
     System  400  can comprise support structure  423 , first support substructure  426 , second support substructure  427 , first frame  430 , second frame  431 , first frame rails  434 , second frame rails  435 , and one or more light source(s)  437 . In these embodiments, light source(s)  437  can comprise one or more frame light sources  438 . In many embodiments, support structure  423  can be similar or identical to support structure  323  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); first support substructure  426  can be similar or identical to first support substructure  326  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); second support substructure  427  can be similar or identical to second support substructure  327  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); first frame  430  can be similar or identical to first frame  330  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); second frame  431  can be similar or identical to second frame  331  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); first frame rails  434  can be similar or identical to first frame rails  334  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); second frame rails  435  can be similar or identical to second frame rails  335  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); and/or light source(s)  437  can be similar or identical to light source(s)  337  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Further, frame light source(s)  438  can be similar or identical to frame light source(s)  338 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a modular bioreactor system  500 . In one embodiment, a self-contained bioreactor system for culturing microorganisms in an aqueous medium comprises a modular bioreactor system. The modular bioreactor system comprises a plurality of modular components which may be easily coupled together into a functioning system and decoupled for repair, replacement, upgrading, shipping, cleaning, or reconfiguration. The interchangeability of the modular components allows components of a bioreactor system to be easily transported and assembled at multiple locations, as well as to change the capacity of the bioreactor system or change the functionality of the bioreactor system. Each module is a standalone unit that may be interchanged with other modular bioreactor systems for different configurations, providing the benefit of flexibility over conventional single configuration integrated bioreactor systems. 
     In some embodiments, the modular components may be decoupled when the modular bioreactor system contains an aqueous culture of microorganisms, while maintaining isolated volumes of the aqueous microorganism culture in the various individual modular components without exposing the culture of microorganisms to the environment or outside contamination. With the ability to maintain an isolated volume of the aqueous culture, modules may be interchanged in the event of equipment malfunction without necessitating harvest or enduring a complete loss of the microorganism culture. Additionally, an isolated volume of the aqueous microorganism culture may be transported to different locations for different operations, such as growth, product maturation (e.g., lipid accumulation, pigment accumulation), harvest, dewatering, etc. The modular components may couple and decouple from each other using pipe or tubular quick connect couplers which may be quickly coupled by hand to allow fluid communication between modular components and quickly decoupled in a manner which also self-seals any fluid communication, effectively sealing an isolated volume of the aqueous culture in each modular component. The quick connect couplers may comprise fluid conduit couplers known in the art such as, but not limited to, cam lock couplers. 
     A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a modular bioreactor system  500  is shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows a modular bioreactor system  500  with a bioreactor module  502 , cleaning module  504 , and pump and control module  506  coupled together in fluid communication. It is to be appreciated that the modular bioreactor system  500  with a bioreactor module  502 , cleaning module  504 , and pump and control module  506  can be decoupled from each other. As an example, one or more couplers between the modules may comprise quick connection couplers such as, but not limited to cam lock couplers, capable of self-sealing an isolated volume of an aqueous culture medium in each individual module. In some embodiments of the modular bioreactor system  500 , the couplers may comprise traditional couplers such as, but not limited to, threaded connections or bolted together flange connections. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  with multiple bioreactor modules  502  and multiple pump and control modules  506 . The cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  can include modular bioreactors may be used as a production platform, as a seed reactor platform, or a combination of both. The cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  may be used in a system that connects the seed production with one or more larger volume downstream production reactors. The cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  may be partially or fully harvested to inoculate a larger seed reactor. The cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  may be used as a finishing step for the production of products that require a two-step growth process to produce pigments or other high value products. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the cascading transfer bioreactor system  600  may comprise culture tube segments that have different diameters, where a small diameter is used for a preferentially phototrophic section while a larger tubular diameter is used for a preferably mixotrophic section. The segments with different culture tube diameters may be interleaved and connected in a way to enhance turbulence or mixing in the system without the use of a high Reynolds numbers such that the overall system pressure drop is reduced. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , a non-limiting embodiment of the open raceway pond bioreactor  700  is illustrated. The open raceway pond bioreactor  700  comprises an outer wall  702 , center wall  704 , arched turning vanes  706 , submerged thrusters  708 , support structure  710  (horizontal), and  712  (vertical). The outer wall  702  and the center wall  704  form the boundaries of the straight away portions and U-bend portions of the bioreactor  700 . The center wall  704  is shown as a frame for viewing purposes, but in practice panels are inserted into open sections of the frame or a liner placed over the frame to form a solid center wall surface. Also, the outer wall  702  of the bioreactor  700  is depicted as multiple straight segments connected at angles to form the curved portion of the U-bend, but the outer wall  702  may also form a continuous curve or arc. 
     The arched turning vanes  703  can have an asymmetrical shape having a first end  714  of the turning vane at the beginning of the U-bend portion and a second end  716  extending past the U-bend portion into the straight away portion. The flow path of the culture in the open raceway pond bioreactor  700  would be counter clockwise, with the culture encountering first end  714  of the turning vane first, second end  716  of the turning vane second, and then the submerged thruster  708  when traveling through the U-bend portion and into the straight away portion. The arched turning vanes  706  are also shown in to be at least as tall as the center wall  704 , to allow a portion of the arched turning vanes  706  to protrude from the culture volume when operating. 
     The present invention involves the use of a microalgae composition. Microalgae compositions, methods of preparing liquid microalgae compositions, and methods of applying the microalgae compositions to plants are disclosed in WO2017/218896A1 (Shinde et al.) entitled Microalgae-Based Composition, and Methods of its Preparation and Application to Plants, which is incorporated herein in full by reference. In one or more embodiments, the microalgae composition may comprise approximately 10% w/w of  Chlorella  microalgae cells. In one or more embodiments, the microalgae composition may also comprise one of more stabilizers, such as potassium sorbate, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate, citric acid, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, in one or more embodiments, the microalgae composition may comprise approximately 0.3% of potassium sorbate or another similar compound to stabilize its pH and may further comprise approximately 0.5-1.5% phosphoric acid or another similar compound to prevent the growth of contaminants. As a further example, in one or more embodiments where it is desired to use an OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified organic composition, the microalgae composition may comprise 1.0-2.0% citric acid to stabilize its pH. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     For this example, microalgae composition was prepared by using  Chlorella  microalgae cells. The  Chlorella  cells are pasteurized at between 65° C.-75° C. for between 90-150 minutes. Pasteurization of the  Chlorella  microalgae cells ensures that the  Chlorella  microalgae cells are dead and inactive in the microalgae composition, and therefore do not interact with the environment when combined with the biochar and placed in the soil. Pasteurization of the  Chlorella  microalgae cells also helps to ensure that any bacteria that would be harmful to the soil and/or the plant growing in the soil are eliminated from the microalgae composition. The microalgae composition may comprise approximately 10% w/w of  Chlorella  microalgae cells. Furthermore, the microalgae composition may comprise between approximately 1.0%-2.0% citric acid stabilizer. Although this particular microalgae composition was used for this example, it should be clearly understood that other variations of the microalgae composition, including variations in the microalgae strains, variations in the stabilizers, and/or variations in the % composition of each component may be used and may achieve similar results. 
     In this example, the charging capacities of two charging methods were determined. Furthermore, the effects of the resulting pre-charged biochar on soil health through soil active carbon, soil protein content, and soil water holding capacity and the quality of run-off water (total dissolved solids and total suspended solids) using a soil pot platform in a research greenhouse were also determined. 
     According to one charging method, 100 g of dried raw biochar was pre-seasoned with fresh water for 24 hours. Then, 2 L of the 10% w/w microalgae composition (containing 200 g of solid microalgae cells) was added for another 24 hours at 37° C. with purging. Alternatively, the 2 L of microalgae composition was added for a period of 7 days at room temperature (i.e. 20-25° C.) with purging. In this experiment, the microalgae composition was added all at once; however, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from the microalgae composition having been added in increments. The mixture was harvested with pre-weighted cheesecloth and rinsed 5 times with cold water until no algae residue was visible in the run-off water. The combination (microalgae+biochar) was dried at 75° C.-105° C. until it reached a constant weight, 105° C. being preferred. Variation in drying temperature would alter the drying time. For example, drying at 105° C. would take approximately 145 minutes, whereas drying at 75° C. may take about 6-8 hours. 
     According to the second charging method, 100 g of dried raw biochar was directly added to 2 L of the 10% w/w microalgae composition (containing 200 g of solid microalgae cells) for 24 hours at 37° C. with purging. Alternatively, the 2 L of microalgae composition was added for a period of 7 days at room temperature (i.e. 20-25° C.) with purging. The mixture was harvested with pre-weighted cheesecloth rinsed 5 times with water until no algae residue was visible in the run-off water. The combination was dried at 75° C.-105° C. until it reached a constant weight, 105° C. being preferred. Variation in drying temperature would alter the drying time. For example, drying at 105° C. would take approximately 145 minutes, whereas drying at 75° C. may take about 6-8 hours. 
     The results of the experiment are shown in  FIG. 8  and Table 1 below. 
                     TABLE 1                  % Charging Effect in Mass Over the Control                             Methods   % charging over Control                                         Pre-season without heat   8.9           Pre-season with heat   60.9           Direct without heat   11.4           Direct with heat   43                          FIG. 8  shows the results of: 1) directly charging raw biochar at room temperature; 2) directly charging raw biochar with heat (i.e. incubated at 37° C.); 3) pre-seasoning the raw biochar and then charging the raw biochar at room temperature; and 4) pre-seasoning the raw biochar and then charging the raw biochar with heat (i.e. incubated at 37° C.). As shown, using the method wherein raw biochar was pre-seasoned before incubating it with the microalgae composition at 37° C. yielded an increase of approximately 61% in mass over the control (i.e. raw biochar). Furthermore, using the method wherein raw biochar was directly charged with the microalgae composition at 37° C. yielded a 43% mass increase over the control. These increases in mass indicate that the mass of the biochar had increased due to its having absorbed the microalgae and healthy microbiomes into its pores. Still further, for both methods (pre-seasoning and directly charging) it is shown that incubating the mixture of biochar and the microalgae composition at 37° C. achieved higher increases in % mass over the control than each respective method achieved without heating the mixture. Overall, there was a noticeable biochar grain size difference between raw biochar and the biochar that was pre-charged with the microalgae composition (whether pre-seasoned or directly charged).
 
     Example 2 
     For this example, the microalgae composition was prepared by using  Chlorella  microalgae cells. The  Chlorella  cells are pasteurized at between 65° C.-75° C. for between 90-150 minutes. Pasteurization of the  Chlorella  microalgae cells ensures that the  Chlorella  microalgae cells are dead and inactive in the microalgae composition, and therefore do not interact with the environment when combined with the biochar and placed in the soil. Pasteurization of the  Chlorella  microalgae cells also helps to ensure that any bacteria that would be harmful to the soil and/or the plant growing in the soil are eliminated. The microalgae composition may comprise approximately 10% w/w of  Chlorella  microalgae cells. Furthermore, the microalgae composition may comprise between approximately 1.0%-2.0% citric acid stabilizer. Although this particular microalgae composition was used for this example, it should be clearly understood that other variations of the microalgae composition, including variations in the microalgae strains, variations in the stabilizers, and/or variations in the % composition of each component may be used and may achieve similar results. 
     In order to evaluate the effect of the microalgae charged biochar on soil health, a “soil only” experiment was conducted and incorporated with a single application of all test subjects, wherein the “soil only” plots were treated with city water alone. Soil from an alfalfa field was identified as Antho sandy loam. Antho sandy loam is a type of soil that is made up of sand along with varying amounts of silt and clay. Antho sandy loam may be characterized as being very deep and somewhat excessively drained soils. The soil was collected and run through an 8 mm sieve to ensure texture consistency. Each quart pot was filled with 950 ml of soil. Each test subject was run in triplicate and received a 1% v/v pre-treatment. For the soil treated with the microalgae composition only, each pot was drenched with 210 ml of microalgae composition treatment solution; 210 ml was the saturation point. For soil treated with the 1% v/v pre-charged biochar, 9.5 ml of the pre-charged biochar was laid at 2″ depth of the soil bed because where 950 ml of soil and 1% v/v pre-charged biochar are used, this creates a 1:1 ratio of soil to pre-charged biochar. Although the pre-charged biochar was laid at 2″ depth in the quart pot, it should be clearly understood that the ideal depth when applying pre-charged biochar to the soil in the field would be between 2-6 inches; i.e. beneath the organic layer of the soil. The pre-charged biochar should be positioned at a depth within the soil that will accommodate for the root length of the targeted crop; e.g. strawberries have longer roots (about 6 inches long) and lettuce has shorter roots (about 2 inches long). The final array of pots was incubated in a greenhouse for 30 days. Soil protein content was quantified using the sodium citrate assay; active carbon content was quantified using the potassium permanganate oxidation assay; the soil water-holding capacity assay was adapted from the Keen-Raczkowski Box Method, and gravitation methods were used to measure total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) from run-off water. Table 2 below shows the detailed average soil health metrics data generated at each sampling day from different treatments. 
                     TABLE 2                  Average Soil Health Metrics Data Generated       from Each Treatment at Every Sampling Day                                                         Active   Soil   Water               Sampling       N   Carbon   Protein   holding   TSS   TDS       days   Treatments   Rows   (mg/kg)   (mg/g)   capacity %   (ppm)   (ppm)                                                     0   UTC   3   164.38   2.27   47.25   5464.00   733.33       15   UTC   3   175.49   1.12   50.15   5744.00   1266.67       30   UTC   3   47.01   1.46   44.70   7781.33   1800.00       0   Raw Biochar   3   164.38   2.27   47.25   5464.00   733.33       15   Raw Biochar   3   131.33   1.19   49.56   4736.00   1333.33       30   Raw Biochar   3   40.38   1.57   47.36   1221.33   1466.67       0   Microalgae   3   164.38   2.27   47.25   5464.00   733.33           Composition           Only       15   Microalgae   3   242.75   1.27   53.39   3553.33   866.67           Composition           Only       30   Microalgae   3   77.25   1.71   51.55   1005.33   1566.67           Composition           Only       0   Microalgae   3   164.38   2.27   47.25   5464.00   733.33           Charged           Biochar           (direct)       15   Microalgae   3   177.52   1.22   49.89   4952.00   1200.00           Charged           Biochar           (direct)       30   Microalgae   3   40.91   1.55   51.18   5550.67   1500.00           Charged           Biochar           (direct)       0   Microalgae   3   164.38   2.27   47.25   5464.00   733.33           Charged           Biochar (pre-           soak)       15   Microalgae   3   182.85   1.32   52.82   4654.67   1133.33           Charged           Biochar (pre-           soak)       30   Microalgae   3   81.22   1.69   51.42   1398.67   1466.67           Charged           Biochar (pre-           soak)                    
Table 3 below shows the highlighted relative percentage change in active carbon, soil protein, and water holding capacity for the microalgae composition alone and the microalgae charged biochar combination in comparison to the Untreated Control (UTC) at each sampling point.
 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Relative Percentage Change in Active Carbon, Soil 
               
               
                 Protein, and Water Holding Capacity for Microalgae 
               
               
                 Composition alone and Microalgae Charged Biochar Combination 
               
               
                 Compared to UTC at Each Sampling Point 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sam- 
                   
                   
                 Active 
                 Soil 
                 Water 
               
               
                 pling 
                   
                 N 
                 Carbon 
                 Protein 
                 Holding 
               
               
                 days 
                 Treatments 
                 Rows 
                 % 
                 % 
                 Capacity % 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 0 
                 Raw Biochar 
                 3 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
               
               
                 15 
                 Raw Biochar 
                 3 
                 −25.16 
                 6.00 
                 −1.19 
               
               
                 30 
                 Raw Biochar 
                 3 
                 −14.10 
                 7.69 
                 5.93 
               
               
                 0 
                 Microalgae Composition 
                 3 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
               
               
                   
                 Only 
               
               
                 15 
                 Microalgae Composition 
                 3 
                 38.32 
                 12.88 
                 6.45 
               
               
                   
                 Only 
               
               
                 30 
                 Microalgae Composition 
                 3 
                 64.31 
                 16.95 
                 15.31 
               
               
                 0 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (direct) 
               
               
                 15 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 1.16 
                 8.42 
                 −0.54 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (direct) 
               
               
                 30 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 −12.97 
                 5.89 
                 14.48 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (direct) 
               
               
                 0 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
                 0.00 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (pre-soak) 
               
               
                 15 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 4.19 
                 17.51 
                 5.31 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (pre-soak) 
               
               
                 30 
                 Microalgae Charged 
                 3 
                 72.77 
                 15.89 
                 15.02 
               
               
                   
                 Biochar (pre-soak) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 9  shows the relative percentage change over the UTC in active carbon, soil protein, and water holding capacity for soil treated with: 1) raw biochar; 2) microalgae composition alone; 3) pre-seasoned biochar pre-charged with microalgae composition; and 4) biochar pre-charged directly with microalgae composition. The data revealed a similar pattern between the effects of biweekly application of the microalgae composition alone on soil and the effects of the biweekly application of biochar pre-charged with microalgae composition (via pre-seasoning method) on soil. The data also revealed that the pre-seasoning method of charging biochar with the microalgae composition had superior effects on soil health as compared to the direct charging method of charging biochar and as further compared to the simple use of raw biochar. 
       FIGS. 10-14  show soil health metrics trendlines individually.  FIG. 10  shows that the soil protein levels for soils that were treated only with the microalgae composition and soils that were treated with the microalgae charged biochar (via pre-seasoning method) at 1% v/v were observed to have significantly higher soil protein levels than the untreated control (UTC) 15 days after application.  FIG. 11  shows that the active carbon levels for soils that were treated only with the microalgae composition and soils that were treated with the microalgae charged biochar (via pre-seasoning method) at 1% v/v were observed to have significantly higher soil active carbon levels than the UTC and raw biochar starting at 15 days after application.  FIG. 12  shows that the water holding capacity (WHC) for soil treated only with the microalgae composition and soils treated with the microalgae charged biochar (via pre-seasoning method) at 1% v/v were observed to have significantly higher WHC levels than the UC and raw biochar starting at 15 days after application.  FIG. 13  shows that the total dissolved solids (TDS) from run-off water for soil treated only with the microalgae composition at 1% v/v was observed to be significantly lower than the UTC and raw biochar at 15 days after application. At 15 days and at 30 days, the TDS from run-off water for soil treated with microalgae pre-charged biochar were also lower than the UTC and raw biochar.  FIG. 14  shows that the total suspended solids (TSS) from run-off water for soil treated only with the microalgae composition, soils that were treated with the microalgae pre-charged biochar (via pre-seasoning method), and soils that were treated with the microalgae pre-charged biochar (via direct charging method) at 1% v/v were observed to be significantly lower than the UTC starting from 15 days after application. Together,  FIGS. 10-14  show that, in Antho sandy loam soil, pre-seasoned biochar pre-charged with microalgae composition provide a statistically significant increase in soil active carbon, soil protein, and soil water-holding capacity over the untreated control (i.e. soil only) in as little as 15 days post application. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram of a chemical analysis that compares the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and sulfur (S) in the following scenarios: 1) raw biochar; 2) an alternative commercially available processed biochar; 3) an alternative commercially available processed biochar that has been charged again with the microalgae composition and heated at 37° C.; 4) raw biochar pre-charged with microalgae composition (pre-seasoning method with heat); and 5) raw biochar pre-charged with microalgae composition (pre-seasoning method without heat). Raw data is included in Table 4 below. As shown, pre-charged biochar showed increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil compared to the UTC (raw biochar). It is also shown that pre-charging raw biochar with the pre-seasoning method and heat (incubating the mixture of microalgae composition with raw biochar at 37° C.), resulted in pre-charged biochar containing much higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to the UTC (raw biochar). The alternative commercially available processed biochar product did not appear to be affected much by the charging method disclosed herein because it is already a pre-charged biochar product. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Relative Percentage Change in Total Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, 
               
               
                 Sodium for Microalgae Charged Biochar Combination Compared to UTC at Each 
               
               
                 Sampling Point 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Nitrogen, 
                 Phosphorus, 
                 Potassium, 
                   
                 Sodium, 
               
               
                 Description 
                 Treatments 
                 N (%) 
                 P2O5 (%) 
                 K2O (%) 
                 Sulfur, S (%) 
                 Na (%) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Raw biochar 
                 Raw biochar 
                 0.623 
                 0.11 
                 0.14 
                 0.01 
                 0.062 
               
               
                 Raw biochar 
                 Raw biochar 
                 0.711 
                 0.1 
                 0.16 
                 0.0092 
                 0.065 
               
               
                 Pre-season 37 
                   Chlorella  charged 
                 1.246 
                 0.15 
                 0.12 
                 0.057 
                 0.07 
               
               
                 Pre-season 37 
                   Chlorella  charged 
                 0.958 
                 0.13 
                 0.11 
                 0.047 
                 0.062 
               
               
                 Pre-season RT 
                   Chlorella  charged 
                 0.936 
                 0.13 
                 0.12 
                 0.056 
                 0.069 
               
               
                 Pre-season RT 
                   Chlorella  charged 
                 0.678 
                 0.11 
                 0.31 
                 0.067 
                 0.15 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As shown by Example 1 and Example 2, it is apparent that the type of charging method (pre-seasoning versus direct charging) and the charging temperature strongly influence the potential charging ability of the raw biochar. Particularly, an increase in the incubation temperature (i.e. increasing from room temperature to about 37° C.) improved the absorption properties of the raw biochar, such as its surface area and porosity, which potentially helped to charge the raw biochar with the microalgae composition and healthy microbes within 24 hours. The enhanced biochar physicochemical properties could cause changes in the soil nutrient and carbon (C) availability and also provide physical protection to microorganisms which may alter the microbial diversity of the soil. 
     Although a particular feature of the disclosed techniques and systems may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the inventive concepts, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the inventive concepts, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive concepts is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another. 
     As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.” 
     The best mode for carrying out the inventive concepts has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the inventive concepts, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the inventive concepts, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The inventive concepts have been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the inventive concepts is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. All patents and references cited herein are explicitly incorporated by reference in their entirety.