Is it true that adding ashes to the soil of a plant makes the soil richer, and the plant grow better?
Question:My mum says this is so, and she always burns paper and adds the ashes to the soil of any plants she is growing, because that's what they apparently do in the farming fields in India.
Is this just a myth?
Answers:
as long as its not a relative its ok.
I heard its true. Pottash.
Ash added to the soil mix opens it up to receive more oxygen. Ash is of considerable benefit to the structure of the soil.
Your mum is correct.
Well, any such ash isn't necessarily good. Paper contains a lot of chemicals. If you were to burn some straw or leaves, yes, this is an ancient technology called slash-and-burn where farmers would grow a grass crop, slash it to the ground, burn it, then till it into the soil. Make sure not to use any lighter fluid to start the fire since oils will contaminate your plant soil.
its no Myth`i once dropped my Wallet`on a Bonfire`with £50 quid in it`i put the ASHES`under a Cherry Tree i bought`10 yrs ago`Guess what`av got the biggest`Apples`uv Ever SEEN
Well using ash is indeed help full to plants. It not just an old wife's tale or Indian Legend. I'm from India too and my mother used to do exactly the same, however, it would be ashes from the chula (fireplace).
Adding ash help more than one way. It helps aerate the soil, making it lighter, it also happens to be rich in potassium, nitrogen, and other trace elements help full for healthy plant growth.
I grow hundred of bonsais now days and ash helps make my compost richer. :)
However, I'm not sure just 'paper ash' is helpful.
Read this article to get more info on it...
Regards
http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articl...
http://www.mybonsai.biz/guide/
It is just a myth ... what you are adding to your soil is sulphuric acid ... once the ash has been weathered and the sulphuric acid has been washed out of it ... then it can be used
potassium (potash) is available in appreciable quantities in wood ash.potassium is one of the three primary nutrients the others being nitrogen and phosphorus,
Potassium activates the enzyme system,it is required for nitrogen uptake and the synthesis of protein,it is essential for tissue water balance and water use efficiency and is essential for photosynthesis,
tonyf you will need sulphur and potassium nitrate to form sulphuric acid, i think you are confusing volcanic ash which has a high sulphur content
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