Wood ash

Wood Ash

Wood ash is the residue powder left after the combustion of wood, such as burning wood in a home fireplace or an industrial power plant. It is used traditionally by gardeners as a good source of potash.

Etymology

The term "ash" comes from the Old English æsce, which is related to the Dutch as and the German Asche. The word "wood" is derived from the Old English wudu, which has cognates in Old Norse viðr and the German Wald.

Composition

Wood ash is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, potassium, and other trace minerals. It is a valuable source of potash, a nutrient necessary for plant health. Wood ash also contains significant amounts of calcium, which can help to neutralize acidic soil conditions.

Uses

In Agriculture

Wood ash has been used in agriculture for centuries. Its high content of potash makes it a valuable soil amendment, improving the fertility and health of the soil. It can also be used as a natural pesticide, as it is harmful to many pests.

In Food Preparation

Wood ash has been used in food preparation for centuries. It is used in the process of nixtamalization, which is the treatment of corn with an alkaline solution to improve its nutritional value. This process was developed by the indigenous peoples of the Americas and is still used today.

Related Terms

• Potash
• Nixtamalization
• Calcium carbonate

See Also

• Biochar
• Charcoal
• Fly ash

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