Title:
Evaluation of Ashes from Non-woody Biomass as Soil Fertilizer
Author(s):
Monedero, E., Collado, R., Garcìa, F.J, Bravo, S., Hernández, J.J.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Biomass combustion produces a huge amount of inorganic matter (fly and bottom ash) which can be an excellent source of mineral nutrient to soils amendment, although some elements may leach from the solid phase, thereby posing environmental concerns. In this work, the addition of biomass ashes coming from the combustion of almond shell and barley straw on the properties of the agricultural soils was evaluated. Biomass ashes were added in three percentages (3, 6, 9 wt. %) to three types of soils (Mediterranean red, limestone and volcanic). Watering was carried out every 15 days for 8 weeks. Soils and water leachates (before and after each watering, respectively) were collected and the pH, conductivity and K, Ca, Mg, Fe content on the leaching were determined. Regardless the type of ash, an increase on soils pH and conductivity were observed. These changes were very significant for almond shell. In general, higher ash addition led to higher content of Ca, Mg and K in the leachates due to saturation of the exchange complex. Moreover, soils with a significant clay content showed low capability to retain cations. Finally, a very low content of heavy metals (Fe, Zn) on the leachates was found.
Keywords:
biomass ash, soil fertilizer, leaching
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Bio-Based Products and Chemicals
Subtopic:
Processes for bio-based chemicals and materials
Event:
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
6BV.2.27
Pages:
1081 - 1084
ISBN:
978-88-89407-23-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-6BV.2.27
Price:
FREE
