Wood ash at McNeil power plant used as fertilizer

[Fledermaus]

A 2009 change in the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation regulations has confirmed the quality of the wood ash from McNeil Station as a valuable fertilizer, and it has been used as that with the help of Resource Management, Inc.

Burlington Electric Department has partnered with RMI for the past decade to remove all wood ash from the McNeil Generating Plant and recycle it into a useful product. Wood ash, which is produced during the generation of electricity at McNeil Station, is in high demand by farmers who use it as an organic fertilizer. RMI removes it from the power plant and takes it directly to the farmers to spread on their fields before planting their crops.

Barbara Grimes, general manager of BED, said, “It is important that we take every measure possible to reduce waste, reduce greenhouse gas, and promote the economic vitality of the region. Turning this wood ash by-product into something useful for area farmers complies with these goals.”

Wood-fired power plants began developing in New England following the energy crisis of the 1970’s. These innovative wood-chip power plants were built on the premise that clean, local energy is vital to New England. Further, they were built with the intent to produce no waste; the wood ash produced is the perfect product for New England soils. When the 50 megawatt McNeil Generating Station came on line in 1984, it was the largest in the world. The fuel combusted by the power plant is primarily wood that comes from wood lots with forest management plans and clearing for development.

http://www.vermontbiz.com/news/june/wood-ash-mcneil-power-plant-used-fertilizer

[madokie]

1. I know that wood ashes are good for growing some plants

back when I was younger I used to plant seeds to some little plants that I liked so much and when I went looking for a place to put the seeds one of the places I always looked for was freshly burned brushpiles etc. Those little plants would grow like weeds in that mediam too.

[8 track mind]

2. dumb question

is this why some farmers burn their fields before plowing and planting?

[NickB79]

3. In general, yes. Burning destroys the organic matter but leaves behind trace minerals

Tree roots can go deep to find all sorts of good stuff (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc) that crop roots can't reach.

Of course, it would be even better for the soil to let the plant matter decompose naturally and form rich black humus, but most people aren't willing to wait years and years for that to happen.

[NickB79]

4. Just don't apply the ashes to naturally alkali soils

Wood ashes have a liming effect that is good for neutralizing an acidic soil, but isn't suggested for applications to fields that are already over neutral pH.

Good thing most New England soils are considered acidic to begin with.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. "Pot ash" is the original source of potassium carbonate, an alkali ...

hence the name "potassium", a Latinization from a good old-fashioned English root.