What IS ash?

[stockdoct]

As I take my ash bucket out to the back yard in the snow, I had the question ....... what is ash?
And why doesn't it burn like the rest of the wood does? And are there types of wood that create more ash than others? Is an ash tree high in ash production?
And can I call the pit in my backyard that I dump my bucket my "ashhole"?

 

[smokinj]

As I take my ash bucket out to the back yard in the snow, I had the question ....... what is ash?
And why doesn't it burn like the rest of the wood does? And are there types of wood that create more ash than others? Is an ash tree high in ash production?
And can I call the pit in my backyard that I dump my bucket my "ashhole"?

Yes sir on the last question!

 

[LLigetfa]

....... what is ash?

Calcuim Carbonate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_ash

Is an ash tree high in ash production?

No.

And can I call the pit in my backyard that I dump my bucket my "ashhole"?

Certainly.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

It depends on what temp you burn it at, but it's largely CaCO3. It also contains potassium, phosphorous, silica, and other inorganic compounds. The tree mines nutrient that it needs from the soil, and whatever is too refractory to burn off remains, so it is a good source of many nutrients for the garden (but is a strong, quick liming agent, so must be applied sparingly or composted first). The species of tree and other factors strongly effect the assay.

I use ash in pottery glazes, and it is very different from species to species in how it comes out- so I process larger batches at a time and stock it up all at once.

 

[Bubbavh]

I can't help but saying "HOT-ASH coming through" Whenever I carry it outside to my steel drum for disposal. My wife just shakes her head in hope that maybe next time I won't say it!