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Improving the effectiveness of wood‐ash fertilization in mixed mountain pastures
Author(s) -
Ferreiro A.,
Merino A.,
Díaz N.,
Piñeiro J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
grass and forage science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1365-2494
pISSN - 0142-5242
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2011.00800.x
Subject(s) - wood ash , pasture , agronomy , leaching (pedology) , sowing , environmental science , soil water , human fertilization , mineralization (soil science) , volcanic ash , fertilizer , biology , soil science , paleontology , volcano
Mountain pastures can be improved by the application of wood ash, but its effectiveness as a source of N, P and other elements requires improved management practices. Two application rates of wood ash (6 and 12 t ha −1 ) were tested in a 4‐year trial on a low‐input fertilized pasture. Ash was complemented with mineral P, and N fixation was encouraged by sowing white clover. Wood‐ash application led to increased pasture yield (by 100%) and to increased proportions of white clover and ryegrass (60%), thus improving pasture feed value. N fixation by white clover, and possibly increased mineralization because of higher pH, may have compensated for lack of N in the wood ash. Addition of mineral fertilizer improved the supply of P, although incorporation of the wood ash into the soil may also have enhanced release of P from non‐extractable components. High amounts of compounds containing Ca and Mg contributed to the long‐term maintenance of soil reserves of these elements. Despite high inputs of K (175–350 mg kg −1 ) from wood ash, annual additions of K are required to counteract depletion via plant uptake and leaching. Increased Mn availability after the treatment (up to 400 mg kg −1 ) may limit repeated applications of wood ash, at least on poorly aerated soils.