Wood ashes III: Buffer effects on phosphorus fixation in acid soils with active aluminium

Abstract

The effects of wood ash on the dynamics of phosphorus in aluminium-laden soils of south-central Chile were determined. Additions of 0, 100, 200, and 400 kg/ha of triple-superphosphate along with additions of 0, 5, 10, and 20 t/ha of ash were used in the study to determine to what extent ash lessens phosphorus fixation. Additions of ash effectively lessened phosphorus fixation, and by recycling it in this way, ash could be eliminated from the category of residual waste.