Chemical composition of Lavatera thuringiaca L. biomass ash after pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with He–Ne laser light

Abstract

Abstract The article presents the effect of pre-sowing Lavatera thuringiaca L. seeds stimulation with He–Ne laser light on the chemical composition (P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn content) of ash obtained after combustion of shoots of different ages. Results varied, but it was confirmed that pre-sowing exposure of seeds to this physical factor for 10-min has the most pronounced effect on K, Cu and Mn content increase (6%, 20%, 31% increase respectively) in the ash after the first year of vegetation as well as on Cu, K and Zn content increase (9%, 19%, 22% increase respectively) after the second year of vegetation. However, 30-min stimulation significantly increases Ca (8%), Mn (20%) and Fe (72%) content in ash after the second year as well as results in ash richer in Ca (22%), P (48%), K (70%) and Zn (95%) after the third year of Lavatera vegetation. The pre-sowing application of He–Ne laser light depending on the time of stimulation can intensify the content of preferable macro- and microelement groups in Lavatera ash, in respective cultivation years. It can be an innovative method of biomass ash enhancement and its more effective use in agriculture as commercial fertilizers substitute.