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Originally Posted by freeztar
Thanks for the clarification.
I'm still a little puzzled about the impurities part, but I'm sure I'll understand if I hang around long enough. 
So, for adsorbtion to be most effective, it would seem like you would want the most surface area possible. Is crushing a normal practice with char? |
I agree with what has been said
To add a little
Charcoal is organic matter burnt
without oxygen.
Ash is organic matter burnt
with oxygen.
Both have very different effects on the soil
Look at
View topic - Any uses for wood ash? - Permaculture discussion forum
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Wood ash is a useful garden fertiliser, containing 5-10% K2O (potash), and should be applied in early spring at 125-270g/m2 for improved growth of fruit, flowers and potatoes. It's particularly useful on acid, sandy soils, but should not be applied to chalky soils. Store the ash in a dry place
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The largest component of wood ash (about 25 percent) is calcium carbonate, a common liming material that increases soil alkalinity. Wood ash has a very fine particle size, so it reacts rapidly and completely in the soil. Although small amounts of nutrients are applied with wood ash, the main effect is that of a liming agent.before use.
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Wood Ash in the Garden
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Because it's alkaline you can use it to sweeten up compost heaps, ...
Because of its alkalinity, make sure that you keep any wood ash away from acid-loving plants. Keep it away from ground to be used for growing potatoes and don't let it near any seed potatoe
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Totally Practical: Wood Ash Factsheet - Gardening Australia - ABC
pH is one of the most important "soil variable" to growing good plants.
