Jakarta (ANTARA) - The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda\nStrait has drawn significant attention in recent days after volcanic ash\nspread across several regions. The Geological Agency of the Ministry of\nEnergy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that volcanic ash has been\nobserved spreading across five provinces, namely Banten, parts of West\nJava, DKI Jakarta, Lampung, and Bengkulu. The distribution of this ash\nhas also impacted flight activities and schooling in several areas.<\/p>\n
The continuous eruption episode of Anak Krakatau, which lasted\napproximately 25 hours, ended on Sunday (6\/9), but volcanic activity is\nstill being monitored. Following the end of the continuous eruption, the\nvolcano continues to experience Strombolian eruptions that produce\nvolcanic ash.<\/p>\n
Amidst the impacts of ash that can disrupt health and daily\nactivities, there is an interesting aspect regarding volcanic material.\nIn the long term, volcanic ash can play a role in the formation of\nfertile soil.<\/p>\n
So, how can a material that is initially disruptive actually help\nfertilise the soil?<\/p>\n
Volcanic ash is not merely ordinary dust. This material originates\nfrom fragments of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass ejected when a\nvolcano erupts.<\/p>\n
Its composition can vary depending on the type of volcano and the\nmagma released. However, certain types of volcanic ash can carry mineral\nelements such as magnesium, calcium, sulphur, potassium, and other\nelements required by plants. The US Geological Survey (USGS) notes that\nspecific volcanic ash, particularly those derived from basaltic and\nandesitic materials, can contribute a number of nutrients to the\nsoil.<\/p>\n
When these materials undergo weathering and mix with the soil, some\nof their mineral elements can become a nutrient source for plants.<\/p>\n
Freshly fallen volcanic ash is not necessarily immediately fertile.\nThe process requires time. Rainwater, temperature, microbial activity,\nand chemical processes within the soil gradually help break down the\nminerals contained in the volcanic material.<\/p>\n
Research regarding soil formed from volcanic ash in Indonesia also\nshows that volcanic material plays an important role in soil development\nand characteristics. However, the level of fertility still depends on\nthe ash composition and the subsequent soil formation process.<\/p>\n
In addition to providing minerals, volcanic ash can also affect the\nphysical properties of the soil. If present in appropriate amounts and\nmixed with the soil, ash material can help increase the soil\u2019s water\nretention capacity. The USGS mentions that certain ash deposits can\nprovide a mulching effect, thereby reducing water loss due to\nevaporation. Coarser-sized material can also assist with soil aeration\nand drainage.<\/p>\n
These conditions can provide a more supportive environment for plant\ngrowth.<\/p>\n
However, this does not mean that the more ash covers the soil, the\nmore fertile the land becomes. This is a common misconception.<\/p>\n
While volcanic ash can indeed assist soil fertility in the long term,\nlarge deposits can actually damage crops. Ash that is too thick can bury\nplants, disrupt the photosynthesis process, hinder air exchange within\nthe soil, and make it difficult for roots to obtain oxygen.<\/p>\n
The chemical composition of the ash must also be considered. Some\ntypes of ash can increase soil acidity or alter the balance of\nnutrients. This means the effects of volcanic ash are not always\npositive and cannot be generalised for all regions.<\/p>\n
Fertile volcanic soil is essentially the result of a long process.\nAfter eruptive material settles, the rocks and minerals within it\nundergo weathering. This material then mixes with organic matter from\nplants and organisms living on the soil surface.<\/p>\n
Over a long period, this process produces soil with characteristics\nthat support plant growth. The USGS notes that the weathering and\nerosion of volcanic material over geological time also play a role in\nthe formation of fertile soil.<\/p>\n
This is why several volcanic regions in Indonesia are known to have\nhighly productive agricultural land.<\/p>\n
Despite containing minerals, volcanic ash cannot be regarded as an\ninstant fertiliser that immediately makes plants flourish after an\neruption. Plants still require nutrients in a balanced composition,\nincluding nitrogen. In several studies of surfaces newly covered by\nvolcanic material, nitrogen levels can actually be a limiting factor for\ninitial plant growth. Fertility subsequently increases as organic matter\nand organism activity enter the ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Therefore, the process is more accurately described as the gradual\nformation and improvement of soil, rather than volcanic ash instantly\ntransforming into fertiliser.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-volcanic-ash-can-fertilise-soil-an-explanation-1789006116", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }