Environmental Application of Ash from Incinerated Biomass
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
An interesting and full study on the effects of two types of ashes from combustion of plant biomass, applied at different doses, on yields of willow and soil properties is presented in this contribution by Wierzbowska et al. . Although there are studies on the ashes effects on soils and plants, in general these studies are incomplete, and they are not performed for a long period of time. Instead, this study is conducted over three years, which is innovative compared to others. The manuscript begins with a suitable background, which clearly shows the previous state of the art. The objectives are appropriate, with an adequate and meticulous methodology The results are widely described both in relation to the ashes effects on plant grown and nutrient content as well as on soil properties. Those results are widely discussed with scientific seriousness and with relevant references. The conclusions are adequate based on the results obtained. Finally the contribution is written in clear, easy and comprehensive English.
Author Response
Thank you very much for appreciating our effort. We have indeed put a lot of time and work into the preparation of the research, its conduct and chemical analyzes. We tried to do our best.
Yours faithfully
Stanisław Sienkiewicz
Reviewer 2 Report
The research is interesting, as it can be applied to achieve significant reductions in the amounts of fertilizers required by crops.
However, the characterisation of the ash should be more complete. It should use some sort of spectrometric techniques to detect potential toxic compounds and also to describe a thorough chemical composition of the applied ash.
Also, please describe how many plants were used in each treatment.
Author Response
In our opinion, we have provided a fairly extensive ash characteristics, namely the content of the following elements: P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cd, Pb Cr. Please note that in many of the research works cited in our study, we will not find such extensive ash characteristics. However, you can always do more. We would like to inform you that the plants from which ash was obtained (Pennsylvanian mallow and willow) were grown in a field experiment in a very clean region of Poland (Polish Green Lungs). The content of PAHs was not found in the ashes, and other analyzes for the content of persistent organic compounds or maybe toxic substances were not performed.
According to the reviewer's comments, a description of the ashes was added. Please note that three willow plants were grown in each vase.
In our opinion, the statements contained in the summary are fully reflected in the results obtained.
Thank you very much for appreciating our effort.
Yours faithfully
Stanisław Sienkiewicz
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
The authors have added information on the suggested issues, although, regarding the characterisation part, it is basically a rephrasing. In an overall view, the text looks satisfying now.
Thank you. Good luck with future work!
Author Response
Thank you very much for appreciating our effort. We have indeed put a lot of time and work into the preparation of the research, its conduct and chemical analyzes. We tried to do our best.
Yours faithfully
Stanisław Sienkiewicz
