The functional effect of wood ash (WA) on soil was investigated to ascertain the effect on soil quality. Soil samples treated with 5% and 10% WA were set-up against the untreated control and analyzed to evaluate the status of their physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, microbiological, and enzyme activity. The analyses were carried out immediately after the treatment and after the soil mineralization. The results observed revealed a shift in the pH of the treated soil samples against the control, before and after mineralization. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 220.48±0.14 to 240.82±0.14 µs/cm before mineralization and 194.40±7.07 to 229.20±14.14 µs/cm after mineralization. The soil samples treated with 5% and 10 % WA had significantly (p<0.05) increased EC when compared to the control before and in the soil treated with 10% WA after mineralization but EC decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the soil treated with 5 % WA after mineralization. The %Nitrogen reduced significantly (p<0.05) in the treated soil samples when compared to the control both before and after mineralization. The soil sample treated with 10% WA had significantly (p<0.05) reduced copper before and after mineralization unlike the soil sample treated with 5% WA which had significantly (p<0.05) reduced copper before mineralization and significantly (p<0.05) increased after mineralization. The soil samples treated with WA had profound microbial load reduction when compared to the control. Before and after mineralization, soil alkaline phosphatase reduced significantly (p<0.05) in the treated samples against the control while acid phosphatase increased significantly (p<0.05) in the treated soil samples when compared to the control. These observations could be linked to the presence of WA in the treated soil samples before and after mineralization. In conclusion, WA treatment increased electrical conductivity, reduced copper and nitrogen concentrations, reduced microbial load and increased some enzyme activities.
Author(s) Details:
Chima-Ezika O.R
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ibegbulem C.O.
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Nwaogu L. A.
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Iheme C.I
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Recent Global Research Developments in Effect of Wood Ash on Soil
Effects of Wood Ash and N Fertilization on Soil Properties and Growth of Zelkova serrata:
Wood ash, a by-product of biomass combustion, can counteract soil acidification and nutrient deficiencies in forest soils.
Researchers investigated the impact of wood ash (WA) and combined WA + nitrogen (N) on soil properties and growth of Zelkova serrata across different soil types.
Key findings:
WA generally improved soil pH, organic matter, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+).
WA’s ameliorating effects were predominant in acidic forest soils.
N fertilizer was effective for plant growth, especially in saline and infertile soils.
Lower doses of WA without N can counteract soil acidity and improve plant growth.
N fertilizer without WA corrects nutrient deficiencies in landfill and infertile soils [1].
High-Carbon Wood Ash Biochar Enhances Native Tree Survival:
On acidic soils in Northern Alberta, low dosages of wood ash, combined with N, reduced fertilizer requirements and increased crop yields, pH, and soil nutrient availability [2].
Effects of Wood Ash Application on Tree Nutrition and Soil Dynamics:
Researchers applied different rates of wood ash to a P. taeda system.
Soil chemical properties were evaluated, and tree growth and nutrition were determined [3].
Wood Ash as a Soil Amendment for Bioenergy and Soil Fertility:
Wood ash from biomass combustion contributes to the circular economy and soil fertility amelioration.
It’s a sustainable option to meet bioenergy demands and enhance soil health [4].
References
- An, J. Y., & Park, B. B. (2021). Effects of wood ash and N fertilization on soil chemical properties and growth of Zelkova serrata across soil types. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 14489.
- Williams, J.M., Thomas, S.C. High-carbon wood ash biochar enhances native tree survival and growth on sand-capped mine tailings. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 43874–43895 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33962-y
- Leonardo Packer de Quadros, Henrique Almeida Santos Ducheiko, Shizuo Maeda, Stephen Arthur Prior, Eloá Moura Araújo, João Bosco Vasconcelos Gomes, Itamar Antonio Bognola, Marcia Toffani Simão Soares, Ederlan Magri, Cleiton Frigo, Alberto Kawasaki, Antônio Carlos Vargas Motta, Effects of Wood Ash Application on Tree Nutrition and Soil Dynamics in a Pinus taeda System, Forest Science, Volume 67, Issue 5, October 2021, Pages 618–628, https://doi.org/10.1093/forsci/fxab030
- Romdhane L, Ebinezer LB, Panozzo A, Barion G, Dal Cortivo C, Radhouane L and Vamerali T (2021) Effects of Soil Amendment With Wood Ash on Transpiration, Growth, and Metal Uptake in Two Contrasting Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids to Drought Tolerance. Front. Plant Sci. 12:661909. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.661909
