Few People Know, But Barbecue Ashes Can Have a Much More Useful Destination Than Trash. In the Field and in the Backyard, They Help Strengthen the Soil, Deter Pests, and Even Reduce the Use of Chemicals in Agricultural Production.
During the summer, many people repeat the same habit of having a barbecue. After the barbecue, the ashes go straight to the trash.
However, the most important thing is to know that this material can have various uses.
Natural wood ashes serve as allies in taking care of the home and garden. Besides being ecological, they are economical and efficient.
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Iran became the largest buyer of Brazilian corn with 9.1 million tons, but the cargo leaves the field heading towards a global tension zone: sanctions, military risk in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and dependence on fertilizers turn the giant client of the national agribusiness into an alert for the next harvest.
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Saudi Arabia bought nearly 397,000 tons of Brazilian chicken, but now wants to create a poultry empire in the desert: the self-sufficiency plan targets local production, threatens shipments from BRF, JBS, and Seara, and raises an alert for Brazil in the halal market until 2030.
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War in Iran raises fertilizer prices, triggers alert in Brazilian agribusiness, and leads the government to seek new suppliers to avoid impacts on the harvest.
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Soybeans plummet in Chicago with favorable weather in the United States, and Brazilian producers hold off sales due to price pressure and lack of market response.
But attention is needed. Not all ashes are suitable for reuse.
Some may contain harmful substances. Therefore, before use, it is essential to know which ones to keep and which to discard.
Benefits for the Garden
Raw, untreated wood ash is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
For this reason, it functions as a natural fertilizer. Spreading a handful evenly over the lawn helps control moss.
Additionally, it strengthens plants and repels pests such as slugs, snails, and rodents. People who raise chickens can mix the ash with sand to create a “mash” that helps eliminate parasites.
The key is in the amount. Two handfuls per square meter are sufficient.
Applying it before rain is not recommended, as it can form a crust that suffocates the plants.
Cleaning Ally
Ashes also have a surprising function inside the home.
Mixed with a little water, they form a paste with high degreasing power.
This mixture is ideal for washing pots, pans, and barbecue grills.
To polish silver objects, just wipe with a damp cloth with a bit of fine ash.
The shine returns without the use of chemicals. However, the tip is to avoid using it on delicate or shiny surfaces, which may be damaged.
Use in Organic Compost
In compost, ash helps absorb moisture and reduce odors. However, excess can block fermentation. Therefore, small amounts already guarantee good results.
The ideal is to use only ashes from natural wood: fireplace logs, pruning branches, and certified pellets without additives.
Treated, painted, or varnished wood, or wood from pallets should be discarded. These may contain toxic substances.
It’s also better to avoid ashes from industrial charcoal and briquettes, which usually have chemicals in their composition.
Safe Storage
Once cooled, ashes can be stored in a metal bucket, away from moisture. This way, they are ready for use whenever needed.
Choosing the right type and using it in the right amount transforms a simple barbecue residue into a valuable resource for the home and garden.

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