Re: Wood Ash

Dear Bob & Karen:
	The Heat method of sterilization is usually seen in relation to
composting.  When you mix composting materials together to obtain a good
Carbon to Nitrogen ratio, the pile will rapidly heat up to as much as 160
degrees F.  If your pile goes to 150 or over and stays there for a couple
of days it will kill all pathogens, weed seeds, etc.
	Of course you can use any other method to raise the temp to 160, like a
kitchen oven, but you will have to move out of your house due to the smell.
	Any one who has a wood burning fire place has wood ash.  However, unless
your soil test suggests you need it, you probably don't.  Wood ash contains
a certian amount of potash or potassium, different kinds of wood have
different levels.  Ash from sun flower stalks, are especially high in
potash, and Russian sunflower is supposed to be the highest in potash. 
Potash and potassium are leached from the soil at a slower rate than other
nutrients.  Many home gardeners spoil their beds by placing wood ash in the
soil and pushing the potash to toxic levels.
	A soil test costs $10.  Over doing a bed with wood ash, could cost
hundreds in trying to detoxify - replacing - the soil.

Michael
mcohill@neo.lrun.com
----------
> From: Bob & Karen Troy <usonetopch@earthlink.net>
> To: pumpkins@athenet.net
> Subject: Wood Ash
> Date: Saturday, November 08, 1997 2:18 AM
> 
> Does anyone know where to obtain Wood Ash if you don't live out in the 
> country?
> 
> How about the Heat method for sterilizing the soil? Can't burn where I 
> live so what other options are their?
> I was told that covering the soil with black plastic during a couple of 
> hot weeks might do it.
> 
> What do you think????
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