Wood ash

[Two Acres]

A friend of mine tells me that he collects all the ash from his biomass boiler and puts it back in his woodland. The theory being that it puts fertility back instead of just taking it out. I'm wondering if its a good idea? Anyone else do this?

[Goaty]

A friend of mine tells me that he collects all the ash from his biomass boiler and puts it back in his woodland. The theory being that it puts fertility back instead of just taking it out. I'm wondering if its a good idea? Anyone else do this?

 

 

It should be sterile, also look how forests regenerate after wildfire in hotter countries. I imagine it does good.

Offhand I recollect wood ash is high in potash. Potash is require for wood growth and fruit. I imagine early mid spring application for best results as the winter rain won't wash it away.

[Two Acres]

It should be sterile, also look how forests regenerate after wildfire in hotter countries. I imagine it does good.

Offhand I recollect wood ash is high in potash. Potash is require for wood growth and fruit. I imagine early mid spring application for best results as the winter rain won't wash it away.

 

Good point about Spring application Goaty. I think I need to get hold of some big tubs with lids that I can store it all in.

[Robbo90]

I save all my ash for a neighbour. He has an allotment and can't get enough of it, so he will be happy with my willow ash this winter

[peatff]

We put the ash from the wood burner into the compost bin as it is supposed to be a good source of potash.

[Two Acres]

We put the ash from the wood burner into the compost bin as it is supposed to be a good source of potash.

 

Thats what I usually do. Then I use the compost in the garden. I hadn't thought of taking the ash back to the woodland before though.

[teepeeat]

seem to recall someone saying that the ash affects the PH of the soil, so will favour certain plants and work against others

[Two Acres]

seem to recall someone saying that the ash affects the PH of the soil, so will favour certain plants and work against others

 

I wonder if its good for all trees?

[openspaceman]

seem to recall someone saying that the ash affects the PH of the soil, so will favour certain plants and work against others

 

Yes it's alkaline because of the potassium (and some calcium) salts

[tz1_1zt]

Yes it's alkaline because of the potassium (and some calcium) salts

 

Makes a low ph cleaning solution when mixed with water, good enough to clean the tar off a stove window. So it might drastically lower the ph of soil if you use enough of it. Last thing we want on my garden which is little more than brown clay on pure clay.

 

We sell a very alkali Stove Glass Spray in the shop which is a fairly strong Sodium hydorxide, pretty nasty stuff really. It takes tar off of the blackest stove windows, dissolves j-cloths, turns paper tissue brown.