ABSTRACT
This chapter examines through laboratory and field studies the agronomic value of paper mill wood-derived ash as a fertilizer and an alternative liming material. The pulp and paper industry has used wood waste as fuel on a wide scale since the 1960's and has recognized that wood can be an economical and readily available source of energy. The experimental lime equivalences of the wood ash and the effects on the extractable nutrient content of soil were investigated initially in soil incubation studies. Chemical analysis of the ash by sieve size suggested that screening out the charcoal would enhance the analysis of the material as a fertilizer and as an alternative liming material. In the laboratory ash addition reduced Mn extractability initially, but at the higher application rates Mn extractability increased. In the field, extractable Mn was increased throughout the range of ash applications.
