Metla Project 3374

The risk of leaching from ash fertlized peatlands

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Duration: 2003-2007   Keywords: ash, fertilization, heavy metals, nutrient leaching, peatland, phosphorus
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

It is well known that wood ash is an excellent fertilizer in peatlands and the positive effect of fertilization on tree growth is long-lasting. However, the long-lasting effects of ash fertilization on nutrient and heavy metals leaching from fertilized area is poorly known. The aims of this study is to clarify the risks of ash fertilization to nutrient and heavy metals leaching after ten years and the factors affecting to leaching.

Results

The results from our study showed that nutrients and heavy metals released directly from the wood ash or from the peat as a result of increased decomposition due to the ash were mainly retained by the peatland that exports were small, at least during the first 5 years following treatment. The findings support the conclusion that the release of nutrients from wood ash is a slow process. However, the peat type and the tree stock have an influence on the retention of released nutrients and heavy metals.

Project leader: Piirainen, Sirpa
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Office, PL 68, FI-80101 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 3188
E-mail: sirpa.piirainen@metla.fi


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Updated 12.06.2012
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