How should "Wood Ash" be used on the farm? And for which soils and which crops? and how much?

Question

Wood ash seems to be a trickey thing to be used on the farm, quantities used differ from expert to expert. What should be the safe quantity for "any" soil?

Answer 1

Specific recommendations for the use of wood ash in the garden are difficult to make because soil composition and reaction varies from garden to garden. Acidic soils (pH less than 5.5) will likely be improved by wood ash addition. Soils that are slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5) should not be harmed by the application of 20 pounds per 100 square feet annually, if the ash is worked into the soil about 6 inches or so. However, if your soil is neutral or alkaline (pH 7.0 or greater), find another way to dispose of wood ash. If you don't know your soil's acidity or alkalinity level, have it tested for pH.

Crop tolerance to alkaline soil also should be considered. Some plants, such as asparagus and juniper, are more tolerant of slightly alkaline conditions than "acid-loving" plants, such as potatoes, rhododendrons and blueberries. Wood ash should never be used on acid-loving plant

Wood ash is very "hot"  it will burn plants, specially seedlings or young plants and should always be used carefully.  The best way to use wood ash is to incorporate it into your compost pile and apply with the compost.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/woodash.h...

Answer 2

Copy of a table from Rodale's Garden Problem Solver

Change in pH               Amount of wood ash

                                       pounds per 100 ft square

from 4.0 to 6.5               16.1 lbs

from 5.0 to 6.5               10.6 lbs

from 6.0 to 6.5                 4.1 lbs

Ash is strong so keep away from seed and new seedlings.

Don't use year after year without checking soil first. Winter and earliest spring time is the best time but can be used any time.

Answer 3

I'm a gardener only i don't have any luck with woodash. i use cow manure from a hard ware store .It's excellent .

Answer 4

Wood ash contains Potash which is essential for all crops.At a rough quess I'd spread a bucket full over about 9.5 square yards but to be accurate you would have to get the soil anylised and probably the wood ash too.

Answer 5

to increase the potassium in the soil, needed for healthy plants