Volcanic ashes contain essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, which are beneficial for plant growth. Additionally, these ashes promote water retention and improve soil structure, making them an effective natural fertilizer.
When an explosive volcano spews its ashes, it releases quite a few essential mineral elements such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and even iron. All these elements act as true natural fertilizers, crucial for plant growth. For example, phosphorus boosts root development, while potassium enhances plants' resistance to diseases and climatic stress. Calcium helps structure plant cells, and magnesium plays a key role in chlorophyll formation. Iron, on the other hand, is the discreet star, essential for photosynthesis: without iron, it's impossible to have healthy plants. As a result, after eruptions, even if it doesn’t look great at first, it often ends up creating hyper-fertile lands where everything grows like never before.
Volcanic ash contains many small spaces and cavities that make it very light and airy. When mixed with soil, it creates a structure that is both porous and stable, a kind of mini-labyrinth filled with passages that allow air, water, and plant roots to circulate easily. This circulation boosts oxygen supply, which is essential for the respiration of organisms living in the soil, as well as for roots to breathe and grow better. Less compaction, better drainage, in short: soil in better shape for growing happy plants.
Volcanic ash naturally attracts a whole host of microorganisms and small beneficial critters in the soil, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi. These little workers help decompose organic matter and make it more accessible to plant roots. Essentially, by nourishing this micro-fauna, the ash creates ideal conditions for active underground life. The more these microbes work, the more fertile and welcoming the soil becomes for healthy plants.
Volcanic ashes, due to their porous texture, make the soil easier to work with and allow roots to settle and develop better. They also improve the soil's ability to retain water: water remains available for plants for a longer time, limiting damage during dry periods. Regarding erosion, their presence stabilizes the soil surface due to their regulatory effect on its structure, which protects the land against excessive runoff during rains. Soil thus improved by ashes becomes simply more comfortable for the plants growing in it.
Some volcanic ashes, due to their structure and chemical composition, effectively retain water, allowing plants to withstand drought more effectively.
After the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 in the United States, plant regeneration was surprisingly rapid: the volcanic ash promoted a more vigorous growth of vegetation in the following years.
Historically, volcanic ash has contributed to the development of ancient civilizations, particularly in Central America, where soils enriched by volcanic eruptions allowed for abundant harvests for local populations.
The winemakers of the Canary Islands cultivate grapes in volcanic soils, where volcanic ash contributes to creating a unique microclimate and a characteristic minerality in the wines produced.
The majority of crops benefit from the nutrients found in volcanic ash. However, plants that are highly sensitive to certain substances present in the ash (notably fluorine or certain heavy metals) may require a controlled and cautious application.
In some cases, yes; for example, high levels of fluorine or heavy metals present in certain ashes can sometimes be harmful to plants or animals. It is necessary to test the chemical composition of the ashes beforehand before their large-scale agricultural application.
It largely depends on the climate, the amount, and the thickness of the deposits. Some soils covered with fine ashes can become fertile in just a few months to a few years, while thicker layers may require several decades before they are fully usable.
Yes, there are natural amendments on the market made from finely ground volcanic ash, sold to enrich gardens and crops. However, it is best to always check the origin and composition of this ash with the manufacturer.
Volcanic ash consists of fine pulverized particles emitted during an eruption, while lava refers to the molten and fluid rock that flows from the volcano. While lava hardens quickly upon contact with air or water, ash can be carried far from the volcano and enrich soils that are very distant.
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