Wood ash admixture to organic wastes improves compost and its performance

Tom Miles

Wood ash admixture to organic wastes improves compost and its performance
T. Kuba , A. Tscholl , C. Partl, K. Meyer, H. Insam
Agriculture, Ecosystems, Environment Vol 127 (1-2), August 2008 pp 43-49

A B S T R A C T
Throughout Europe, increasing amounts of wood ash are produced from biomass incineration plants. Most of these ashes are currently landfilled, despite their nutrient and micronutrient contents. The aim of this research was to find a way to return wood ash from biomass incineration plants into the natural cycle
of matter. Three composts from source separated organic waste were produced with 0%, 8% and 16% ash admixture. The composting process was monitored by in situ measurements of temperature and CO2 concentration in the windrows. Maturation of the composts was observed through the parameters basal respiration, microbial biomass,metabolic quotient, Corg, Ntot, C/N-ratio and plant growth tests with cress.

Mature composts were further analysed for potential pH, electrical conductivity as well as for nutrient (Mg, K, P) and heavy metal contents. The process indicators showed that ash admixture had no adverse effects and all legal standards were met. All produced composts met the requirements of the Austrian Compost Ordinance (Compost Quality A or even A+).

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