Valorization of wood biomass ash as a soil amendment for Miscanthus × giganteus cultivation in post-mining marginal soil

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Abstract

The valorization of wood biomass ash (WBA) offers a promising pathway for sustainable waste management within a circular economy. This study aimed to assess the effects of WBA application as a soil amendment for marginal soil collected from a post-mining brownfield under Miscanthus × giganteus ( M×g ) cultivation. A controlled pot experiment was conducted using four application rates of WBA (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%). The effects were evaluated by analyzing plant performance (growth metrics, stress indicators, and elemental accumulation in plant tissues) along with evaluation of the soil chemical properties (elemental composition, pH, and electrical conductivity), soil biological activity (enzyme responses), and soil carbon. Plant height peaked at 2.5% WBA and thereafter decreased at higher doses of WBA. Incorporation of WBA increased soil pH from 6.60 to 7.53 and electrical conductivity from 347 to 701 μS cm -1 in non-vegetated soil, while M×g vegetation partially moderated these increases. Total C rose from 3.40 to 4.27% and total organic C from 2.80 to 3.56% at 7.5% WBA, whereas inorganic C increased only slightly. Nitrogen remained stable (1.8-1.9 g·kg -1 ), with higher values in vegetated soil (2.15 g·kg -1 ). WBA enhanced soil K, Mn, and Zn, but reduced Mg, Fe, Ni, and Co. Enzyme activities, including β-glucosidase and protease, declined significantly at high doses, although vegetation partly mitigated these reductions. The findings indicate that low WBA application can support a favorable soil-plant-microbial balance, whereas higher doses may disrupt nutrient supply and biological functioning.

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