Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

The present study is an examination into the viability of using a wood-ash treatment for the purpose of soil*remediation on acidified soils resulting from smelting operations. The study follows a pilot project done*between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada, EACOM Timber Corporation, and Collège*Boréal. In a controlled greenhouse setting, wood-ash from the abovementioned industry partner was found to*have statistically significant and positive effects on soil nutrients and tree seedling growth. The purpose of the*present study is to corroborate the results of the greenhouse research by conducting field trials to determine the*effectiveness of the wood-ash on soil affected by a century of mining-related activities. Glencore - Sudbury*Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO) has joined the partnership with hopes that the wood-ash could be*used on its mining properties. The results will provide the multi-national mining company with an inexpensive*and environmentally friendly alternative to liming and fertilising to reduce soil acidity and improving soil*nutrients. Meanwhile, EACOM Timber Corporation will see 3 benefits: (a) empirical evidence supporting the*efficacy of their ash on acidified mining land, (b) a process to consolidate the wood-ash for field application*and (c) a market study on the viability of adding wood-ash to the list of by-products produced at their sawmills*in Ontario and Québec. Lastly, the professors and students from Collège Boréal and Cégep*Abitibi-Témiscamingue will benefit by enhancing their research skill set about one industrial residue.