Characterizations of ash derived from the crops’ waste biomass for soil improvement and assisted phytoremediation

Abstract

The biomass ash can play a crucial role in agriculture by acting as a valuable fertilizer that fosters nutrient cycles and contributes to the conservation of nutrient's resources. The paper begins by discussion of the chemical properties of ashes derived from the herbaceous and agricultural crops. It then evaluates the effect of biomass ash on the soil properties and plant growth in the field and greenhouse conditions. Finally, the paper evaluates the impact of ash to phytoremediation practices, when nutrients presented in biomass ash were returned to the natural cycles to secure sustainable biomass utilization. Beside nutrients, some potentially toxic elements were presented in biomass ash which can threaten the environment. Rice husk ash followed by bagasse and wheat straw ashes were the most studied materials which showed positive effects on agricultural soil and crops. Furthermore, a positive impact of rice husk ash on the phytoremediation efficiency of Ricinus communis and Vetiver Grass were reported. The results of the current studies show a great potential of biomass ash when applying for the agricultural and environmental remediation actions thorough the careful assessment which ensures the circularity in the revitalization.