"---Pete---" wrote in message
...
I just found this....

Source:
http://hearth.com/what/ashremoval.html

Differences in Ashes

If the ashes are from wood, they make an excellent addition for
gardens because they are high in potassium, calcium, sodium,
magnesium, and phosphorus. In areas where there is high rainfall, the
soils there are typically high in acid. Wood ash can actually help
decrease that acid level. Dry areas, however, tend to be more alkaline
in nature. Wood ash in dry areas can exacerbate that problem. Since
regions will vary, it's best to have your soil tested through a local
extension agent or garden center to see if wood ash can be helpful to
your soil prior to applying.

I bung my wood ash on the compost heap thereby adding all the benefits of
the ash to a balanced piles of nutrients. Mixed in with everything else it
should not be too deterimental to alkaline soils though not as effective for
acid soils by the sounds of it.

rob