You are now viewing: Module 6: > Unit 5 > Lesson 1
 
Using Ash in Forests, Agricultural Fields, and Mine Spoils

Ash from woody biomass, in general, stimulates microbial activities and mineralization in the soil by improving both the soil’s physical and chemical properties.  Improved soil quality from the nutrients found in wood ash then leads to better growing conditions for vegetation.  Wood ash has a high alkalinity or neutralizing capacity.  Because of this and elevated contents in alkaline earth elements, wood ash is often used to raise the pH of acidic soils.

 

In the US, wood ash applications are used for potash production, as a liming agent, a source of nutrients, as well as a tannin-neutralizing agent.  Wood ash neutralizes soil acidification caused by whole-tree harvesting as well as acid depositions.  Wood ash, because it is a direct source of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and potassium, is also used to correct nutrient deficiencies.  Additionally, wood ash is sometimes used to reduce the total carbon and nitrogen in a soil.

    

Potash

USGS

Public Domain

 

For more information:

 

Recommended Practices for Using Wood Ash as an Agricultural Soil Amendment

 

 

 

 
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: November 11, 2007