Productivity of mechanized wood ash application in forest

Abstract

Importance of the study is determined by increasing consumption of woody biomass as a renewable energy source. Whole-tree harvesting is commonly applied for bioenergy use, however intensified biomass removal from forests can cause significant nutrient loss in soil. Nutrients can be returned to forest ecosystem by fertilizing soil with wood ash, which is generated as a by-product of combustion in wood-burning power plants and heating plants. Studies on ash spreading technological processes and costs so far have been insufficient. Aim of the study is to compare the productivity and prime cost of ash spreading with modular spreading trailer and Amazone mineral fertilizer spreader. According to study results productivity of modular trailer is 0.57 ha h -1 and the spreading costs are 88 EUR ha -1 , but that of mineral fertilizer spreader Amazone -0.61 ha h -1 and 41 EUR ha -1 , respectively. Despite lower productivity modular trailer is more suitable for spreading wood ash, because a larger amount can be delivered and ash is applied more evenly. Productivity of modular trailer can be increased by technical improvements, like equipping the tractor with a crane and a small excavator bucket. Comparing costs of ash spreading and deposition, additional 8.72 EUR ha -1 were required, when using modular trailer, whereas, when using mineral fertilizer spreader, 77.52 EUR ha -1 can be saved. The main reason for the difference is smaller dosage when using modular spreader and additional loading costs.

Evaluation of Impact of Fertilization on Soil Solution Chemistry in Dominated Forest Site Types in Latvia

“…Wood ash are rich in K, Ca, Mg and P; however, the wood ash used in these trial plots contained less concentrations of the elements. compared to the wood ash used in the trial with N fertilizer (Okmanis et al, 2017). We detected a significant decrease of K and Ca in Norway spruce stand on dry mineral soils.…”

The Effect of Bottom and Fly Wood Ash on the Rare Earth Element Content in Forest Soil and Blueberries (<i>Vaccinium myrtillus </i>L.)

“…Wood ash is biomass that is obtained by burning wood products (e.g. logs, sawdust, chips) and contains high content of macro-and micro elements [2]. Bottom, fly and mixed wood ash are the main three fractions that are obtained during the combustion process.…”

Use of Wood Ash in the Forest and its Effect on the Concentration of Essential and Heavy Metallic Elements in Soil and Blueberries <i>(Vaccinium myrtillus L.)</i>

“…Using wood ash as a fertilizer allows to solve three important problems: it ensures efficient utilization and disposal of wood ash from industrial areas; it improves tree growth conditions in the forests and prevents valuable nutrients from being wasted [5]. With the development of intensive forestry, the importance of wood ash increases, and it receives a huge attention as a source of nutrients [6].…”