Tag: Ash composition

While most people dispose of fireplace remnants as waste, a growing number of home gardeners understand that ash is a nutrient-rich byproduct with several applications. The question of what nutrient is ash composed of reveals its surprisingly high mineral content, including significant amounts of calcium and potassium, which can be beneficial to soil chemistry and plant health.

According to agricultural extensions, wood ash can contain anywhere from 25% to 50% calcium compounds by weight, making it a powerful soil amendment. So, do ashes have calcium? The answer is a definitive yes, though the exact concentration and chemical makeup are highly dependent on the source material.