Growing in Volcanic Soil

The volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland caused havoc with air traffic and travelers all over Europe. One good thing that did come from the eruption, gardeners are finding, is that the ash has fertilized plants and is helping the soil hold water. The ash also discourages bacteria growth in the soil. One scientist, Colin Dale, a horticulturalist at Notcutts garden said that ash is a good source of nutrients and a repellent to pests as well as creating air and holding air spaces in the soil. It can also allow the soil to hold water longer, encourage seed germination and insulate plants against temperature changes.

Other areas that have suffered volcanic fallout in the past have seen much benefit from the ash. In the UK, scientists are keeping a close watch on agriculture and food supplies because all ash has a different chemical makeup but all types of ash contain fluorine. In large quantities fluorine can be poisonous to humans and plants. Scientists have said they believe the amount of ash falling on the UK at the moment is too small to cause any ill effects.

Another benefit of ash is that it deters crawling creatures and slugs because ash is sharp on the edges and they will cut themselves and die if they crawl over the volcanic rock and ash. Some gardeners claim volcanic ash is nature's perfect fertilizer. It has long been known that areas around the world that grow tomatoes, flowers and other crops in soil that is rich in volcanic minerals produce exceptional crops. Vineyards that produce the finest wines thrive on this type of soil.

The Greek island of Santorini has volcanic soil and is known world wide for it's famous Santorini tomatoes which are not found anywhere else on the Earth.

Many areas around the world have benefited from volcanic ash fallout. With adequate rainfall, areas buried in volcanic ash recover quickly. In less than a year after an eruption, erosion and breakdown of the materials form some of the most fertile soils known to man.

An interesting fact about volcanic soils is that it covers 1% of the surface of the Earth but supports 10% of the world's population and this includes some of the highest human population densities.

Kona coffee, the World's best-loved, most expensive and sought-after coffee is only grown in the Kona District of Hawaii in mineral rich volcanic soil. It is the perfect soil for growing conditions.

Some of the richest, most nutrient farmlands lie on volcanic ash deposits and with ample rainfall, warm summers and mild winters, these areas produce abundant, nutrient crops. These deep volcanic loams are particularly wonderful for pastures and horticulture.

Volcanic ash can be considered as a time-release capsule, rich in nutrients.

Sources:

　http://www.dandys.org/news.asphttp://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/soil.htm