Chemically speaking, what makes volcanic ash so beneficial to soil (for farming)?

rocky Dave

Dear Dave,

I am going to refer you to the chapter on agriculture in Blong's Volcanic Hazards. There are numerous examples of how ash effects agriculture. It is not always a beneficial relationship. Chapter 4, Soils Derived from Tephra, in Sheets and Payson might also interest you.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

Source of Information:

Blong, R.J., 1984, Volcanic Hazards: A Sourcebook on the Effects of Eruptions: Orlando, Florida, Academic Press, 424 p.

Ugolini, F.C., and Jasoski, R.J., 1979, Soils Derived from Tephra, in Sheets, P.D., and Grayson, D.K., eds., Volcanic Activity and Human Ecology: New York, Academic Press, p. 83-124. 

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