Want something for nothing?

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Boise Cascade of International Falls has wood ash from its paper mill which is being brought into the Rainy River District to spread on agricultural land. The ash contains potassium and other nutrients and elements that can be beneficial to agriculture. It also contains an appreciable amount of liming material which can be beneficial in raising soil pH. This ash program has been going on in Northern Minnesota for the last 10 years, providing lime and fertilizer to more than 10,000 acres in a 70 mile radius of International Falls.
In order to receive wood ash the farm site must demonstrate a need for lime and/or potash fertilizer and meet Ministry of the Environment criteria.
Prior to receiving any wood ash for pH adjustment, the need for it must have been established using a suitable soil test. Generally this means a soil test taken within the past year which shows the soil is acidic and has a pH which is less than 6.5. The soil test report must clearly identify which field(s) the sample(s) was (were) taken from.
If the ash is to be applied to land as a potash fertilizer, again, the need for it must have been established using a recent soil test. There is no exact minimum level but a rule of thumb for showing the need for potash is a soil test of less than 150 part per million (ppm) of potassium.
If the soil test indicates a farm site can benefit from the application of the ash the results are forwarded to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) along with the property location/legal description. MOE ensures there is nearby water course and begins the process of issuing a Certificate of Approval for the spreading of the ash.
A company from the U.S. brings the wood ash into the district, unloads it on site and then spreads it for the producer. Currently this is all done for free. Note that the company can not spread at rates below 5 tonnes/acre. Therefore if the need for the ash as a liming agent or as a potash fertilizer is at a rate below 5 tonnes/acre no Certificate of Approval will be issued.
Here’s your chance to get a free, beneficial product if your soils qualify. If you are interested in this program please contact Gary Sliworsky at the Emo OMAFRA office, 482-1921.