It is the most well-known and recurring method when it comes to preventing the formation of snow or facilitating its thawing to keep the transit routes of people or vehicles accessible. However, it is not the only means. In central and northern European countries, with more natural environments, they resort to another material to avoid damaging the sleep.
In full management of the effects of the in Spain, which has left , we analyze what alternative exists to salt to end the accumulated snow.
The ashes that remain after burning wood in the fire are as efficient as salt in lowering the degree of freezing of the snow and forcing it to melt. Actually, anything we add to a snowpack will help alter its temperature and force it to thaw. The challenge lies in choosing a cheap material that is easy to transport and handle and that does not cause environmental damage.
According to Fernando Garrido, head scientist of the Department of Geology of the National Museum of Natural Sciences of the CSIC, in Spain salt does not cause a major environmental problem, because its use is very punctual throughout the year, and it is usually limited to roads , airport runways and public roads. Unless the room is used in an area of ecological value, with vegetation or fauna in danger of extinction, the salt would not cause irreversible damage.
In these types of areas, it is more advisable to use ashes, which are spread in the same way as with salt. Also in countries like Germany gravel or sand is used. The problem is that the soil absorbs the salt that remains after the snow melts, and sodium is capable of altering nutrients and affecting the ability of the soil to absorb them, which would impact plant growth. Another detriment that salt creates on natural soil surfaces is that it decreases their permeability. Only in certain areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coast has the flora adapted to saline soils.
These issues are not relevant to city roads or pavements, except in the case of a very persistent use of salt in road areas that run through protected natural environments.
Ashes, unlike what happens with salt, do not leave residues on the surfaces where they are spread, are well assimilated in different soils and do not damage tires with the corrosion that sodium chloride does exert. In addition, they create a greater grip of the wheels on the snow, facilitating traction.
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