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Follansbee, Wv

So, what's the common consensus? Good? Bad? I have read that wood ashes contain calcium carbonate and potash, and will also raise pH. I do know that if they are mixed with high nitrogen products they can cause a release of ammonia gas and use up a lot of the nitrogen (so keep it out of the compost pile!) Other than that, any thoughts?

10/14/2004 6:54:58 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Wood ashes do contain Ca & K20 and they do raise soil pH.

From Clemson:
"Wood Ashes: Wood ashes can be used to raise the soil pH. They contain small amounts of potassium, phosphate, boron and other elements. They are not as effective as limestone but with repeated use, they can drastically raise the pH value of a soil, especially if the soil is sandy in texture. Ashes should not come in contact with germinating seedlings or plant roots as they may cause damage. Spread a thin layer during the winter and incorporate into the soil in the spring. Check the soil pH annually especially if you use wood ashes. Avoid using large amounts of wood ashes because excessively high pH values and subsequent nutrient deficiencies may result. Coal ashes do not have any lime value and may actually be acidic dependent on the source."

From experience & documented studies, I can say that wood ashes are about equal (by weight) to agriculture lime.

Oak ashes tend to have the greatest impact on soil pH but Oak isn't burned as much as other deciduous trees in many regions.

Do not apply wood ashes without the guidance of a recent soil test.

10/14/2004 8:57:30 AM

Western NY

i used some wood ashed to raise my K ans pH. K went up a little, pH went up a lot. just use a little at a time.

10/14/2004 11:12:12 AM

Follansbee, Wv

Thanks guys. Still waiting on the soils test reports. I'll see what I can do then.

10/14/2004 7:34:06 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

monty i burn both wood and coal wood ashes goes to the tomato patch coal goes to potato and punkin patch both seem to do well on coal lol,expecially potatoes!

10/14/2004 9:22:15 PM

Follansbee, Wv

From what I understand, coal ashes don't have the "liming" quality of wood ashes, so they don't raise the pH. Potatoes like soil on the acidic side so coal ashes should be very good for them...I never thought of that for my 'taters, thanks for the tip!

10/15/2004 7:49:16 AM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

monty just throw the taters directly into the coal ash pile and watch em grow they get huge!

10/16/2004 3:24:45 AM