Wood ash as a soil additive and liming agent for wheat: Field studies

Abstract

Abstract An industrial wood ash with a calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) of 36 and a pH of 12.9 was applied to two field sites at 0, 0.56, 1.12, 1.68, 2.24, 4.48, and 8.96 Mg/ha and at 0, 0.56, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, and 35.8 Mg/ha. Soil pH and available K increased with application rate, while growth of wheat and protein content on ash‐amended plots was unaffected. Cadmium, lead and zinc content in the wheat was comparable at 0 and 17.9 Mg/ha, which indicated no net accumulation of heavy metals. Based on this field study and other greenhouse studies described in the literature, wood ash can be recycled as a liming agent and soil amendment when applied at agronomic rates based on soil fertility needs and the chemical composition of the ash.