Valorization of Agricultural Ashes from Cold and Temperate Regions as Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials: A Review

A. Sadoon (), M. T. Bassuoni and A. Ghazy
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A. Sadoon: Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada
M. T. Bassuoni: Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada
A. Ghazy: Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: The pursuit of sustainable alternatives to portland cement has become a global imperative within the construction sector, driven by the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption. Among the promising alternatives, agricultural ashes have garnered attention for their potential as alternative supplementary cementitious materials (ASCMs), owing to their inherent pozzolanic properties when appropriately processed. However, the availability and utilization of these ashes have predominantly been concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, where such biomass is more abundant. This review offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify and assess agricultural ashes (specifically switchgrass, barley, sunflower, and oat husks) that are cultivated in temperate and cold climates and exhibit potential for SCM application. The analysis aims to bridge the knowledge gap by systematically mapping the existing research landscape and highlighting underexplored resources suitable for cold-region implementation. Key processing parameters, including incineration temperature, retention duration, and post-combustion grinding techniques, are critically examined for their influence on the resulting ash’s physicochemical characteristics and pozzolanic reactivity. In addition, the effect on fresh, hardened, and durability properties was evaluated. Findings reveal that several crops grown in colder regions may produce ashes rich in reactive silica, thereby qualifying them as viable ASCM candidates and bioenergy sources. Notably, the ashes derived from switchgrass, barley, oats, and sunflowers demonstrate significant reactive silica content, reinforcing their potential in sustainable construction practices. Hence, this study underscores the multifaceted benefits of contributing to the decarbonization of the cement industry and circular economy, while addressing environmental challenges associated with biomass waste disposal and uncontrolled open-air combustion.

Keywords: portland cement; alternative supplementary cementitious materials; agricultural ashes; cold and temperate agro-ashes; pozzolanic activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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