Abstract
BackgroundAmple quantities of ashes generated from domestic biomass energy combustion in Ghanaian kitchens are currently disposed of despite their potential agricultural value. This study aimed to investigate the potential agricultural value of charcoal and firewood ashes in terms of differences in the chemical and mineralogical compositions, and to identify the suitability of aqua regia, H2SO4, vinegar and distilled water to extract plant nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and P). The chemical compositions were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after extractions with aqua regia, H2SO4, vinegar and distilled water while mineralogy was determined by X-ray powder diffraction.ResultsThe charcoal ash had 0.2 units, 13 ds m−1, and 7% higher (P < 0.05) pH, EC, and CCE, respectively, than the firewood ash, whereas the latter had 6, 17, 43, and 139 µg g−1 higher (P < 0.05) As, Cu, Mg, and Zn contents, respectively, and more minerals with 86% being Mg-rich. Calcite and calcium oxide were the dominant minerals occurring in both ashes followed by calcium manganate (CaMnO3). Aqua regia and vinegar were suitable for Ca, acidic solutions for Mg, H2SO4 and aqua regia for P with Na and K being virtually soluble in all solutions. Lead, Mn, Ni, and Zn had values in the order of hundreds.ConclusionsAlthough the ashes differ, they both contain trace elements whose bioavailability may differ and may not necessarily lead to plant uptake after field application. This offers an opportunity for further research into the threshold trace element contents of wood ash and their relationship with plant uptake in different soil pH and soil types.
Highlights
Ample quantities of ashes generated from domestic biomass energy combustion in Ghanaian kitchens are currently disposed of despite their potential agricultural value
Manganese and Zn contents were 43 and 139 μg g−1 higher in the firewood ash than in the charcoal ash, respectively, but with no statistical significance for Mn
Ash pH, electrical conductivity, and calcium carbonate equivalence Charcoal and firewood ashes differ in their chemical and mineralogical compositions. This is attributed to the fact that charcoal ash is a product of slow pyrolysis under limited oxygen conditions, and combustion under oxygenated conditions coupled with the volatilization of constituents in contrast to firewood ash which is the product of a onetime combustion of wood in its natural form under oxygenated conditions
Summary
Ample quantities of ashes generated from domestic biomass energy combustion in Ghanaian kitchens are currently disposed of despite their potential agricultural value. This study aimed to investigate the potential agricultural value of charcoal and firewood ashes in terms of differences in the chemical and mineralogical compositions, and to identify the suitability of aqua regia, H2SO4, vinegar and distilled water to extract plant nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and P). Wood ash is a waste product of biomass combustion, but it contains substantial amounts of plant nutrients such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) [1,2,3] This composition of wood ash makes it a valuable fertilizer to increase the yields of crop and forest products [1, 4, 5]. Wood ash reacts faster than regular liming materials because of the finer
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