A field study about the efficacy of using wood-ash for soil remediation on one mining property in**the Sudbury Basin

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The present study is an examination into the viability of using a wood-ash treatment for the purpose of soil**remediation on acidified soils resulting from smelting operations. The study follows a pilot project done**between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada, EACOM Timber Corporation, and Collège**Boréal. In a controlled greenhouse setting, wood-ash from the abovementioned industry partner was found to**have statistically significant and positive effects on soil nutrients and tree seedling growth. The purpose of the**present study is to corroborate the results of the greenhouse research by conducting field trials to determine the**effectiveness of the wood-ash on soil affected by a century of mining-related activities. Glencore - Sudbury**Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO) has joined the partnership with hopes that the wood-ash could be**used on its mining properties. The results will provide the multi-national mining company with an inexpensive**and environmentally friendly alternative to liming and fertilising to reduce soil acidity and improving soil**nutrients. Meanwhile, EACOM Timber Corporation will see 3 benefits: (a) empirical evidence supporting the**efficacy of their ash on acidified mining land, (b) a process to consolidate the wood-ash for field application**and (c) a market study on the viability of adding wood-ash to the list of by-products produced at their sawmills**in Ontario and Québec. Lastly, the professors and students from Collège Boréal and Cégep**Abitibi-Témiscamingue will benefit by enhancing their research skill set about one industrial residue.