Compounds of calcium and magnesium capable of neutralizing soil acidity.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

I would have thought that back then wood ashes would have been mentioned. I guess that though they work, it would take a lot of them to raise pH on a farm field.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Ralph, I'm pretty sure there will be a question coming up in the Soils section on wood ashes as a liming agent. I've always found it interesting that most people tend to think of ashes as only a potassium source, probably from pot ash, when actually, wood ashes are only around 5 percent potassium and around 55 percent calcium carbonate. It's interesting to note that the traditional way of making potash was the same as making lye for soap production. The ashes were kept in a hopper, often with the bottom lined with straw as a filter. Water was poured over the ashes and as it worked it's way down and was drained off the bottom, it would leach the potassium from the ashes in the form of potassium carbonate. To make potash, this liquid was kept and allowed to evaporate, leaving the potassium carbonate in as a white residue in the pot.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

great answer Jerry, thank you


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum