Wood ash contains calcium carbonate as its major component, representing 25 or even 45 percent. Less than 10 percent is potash, and less than 1 percent phosphate; there are trace elements of iron, manganese, zinc, copper and some heavy metals. However these numbers vary as combustion temperature is an important variable in determining wood ash composition.thankz to wikipedia. ive been told ash can help a plant. carbon monoxide is a gas released from the burning wood. and the levels are not as high as say an exhaust from a running car.