Efficacy of using wood ash derived from wooden biomass from one regional industry partner to reduce soil acidity and add nutrients

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Previous mining activities such as ore roasting beds and smelters has had a noticeable impact on the acidity and nutrients in the city of Greater Sudbury's soils particularly in locations nearest to the activity. In 2009, the results of a soil study showed that the most test soils had been moderately to severely impacted. The impact included poor fertility, low nutrient balance, and limited capacity for water retention. Interestingly, test soils that were treated with a liming agent designed to augment the levels of pH within the soil contained lower levels of toxicity and metals. The environmental impact has led to several re-greening initiatives but none have included the use of wood ash. The use of wood ash to inject nutrients and reduce soil acidity is a frequent practice in Europe, most notably in the Scandinavian countries (Brunner et al., 2004).The general objective within the present investigation is to determine the efficacy of readily-available wood ash from one power generation company on foliage and soil found in a greenhouse setting. Chemical analysis will be conducted and should the ash be deemed useful, the company will have added a viable co-product through this value-added initiative.