Volcanic soils
Abstract
Summary This chapter gives an overview of the distribution, classification and main mineralogical, physical and chemical properties of volcanic soils. It discusses their land use potential and limitations for various uses, ranging from engineering to agricultural, rangeland and forestry uses, as well as to environmental considerations. Many volcanic soils have excellent physical properties that make them highly desirable for a wide range of uses. Chemically, they suffer from a high phosphate retention, and they may be limiting in K and some micronutrients. Nevertheless, these soils are amongst the most fertile lands in the world and are, therefore, very intensively cultivated, even if the users are aware of the risks of volcanic outbursts.
... Ashfalls influence soil formation [4,5] and vegetation [34,35] (volcanic flanks often have no vegetation cover). Major volcanoes in Kamchatka have maximum altitude in the peninsula, level difference and the ruggedness number reach their maximum there, due to the processes of relief reformation. ...
... Volcanic activity particularly affects water runoff and suspended sediment yield variability in the Kamchatsy Krai territory. Active volcanoes are prevalent-there are 42 in Kamchatka [2]-and the radius of ash trails during their strongest eruptions can exceed 2000 km [3], which causes a large amount of friable volcanic deposits [4,5] (up to several tens of thousands of tons per km 2 ) to enter the surface of river basins during eruptions. After the eruptions, the flanks of volcanoes can affect surface flow. ...
This study investigates the spatial and temporal variability of water runoff and suspended sediment yield in rivers in the Kamchatsky Krai territory (in the Far East of the Russian Federation). It is based on data from 269 monitoring stations for the period of hydrometeorological observations (1930–2015). The representativeness and the homogeneity of data on water runoff and suspended sediment yield was examined. Regions with prescribed limits of specific water discharge (L·s⁻¹·km⁻²) and suspended sediment concentration (mg·L⁻¹) variability were selected in the Kamchatsky Krai territory. Most rivers in this region are characterized by two relatively long trends in these characteristics that increased from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, followed by a subsequent decline (until 2015). Kamchatsky Krai includes 9 specific water discharge and 18 suspended sediment concentration regions. Hydrometeorological data of three zonal types of water runoff and corresponding suspended sediment concentration distribution were described, and five azonal types of water regime were characterized. One of these types was characterized by a nearly uniform distribution of water runoff within the year, due to the predominance of groundwater feeding source, while the rest of them had mixed feeding. The present study is the first study to describe the water regime of rivers on volcanic flanks in the Kamchatsky Krai.
This study deals with the contribution of Ehden's region geo-landscape and geo-heritage to make better known the Lebanese landscape and to promote geotourism and landscape conservation in Lebanon. It tends to acknowledge the landscape as the core of the unalterable integrated relationships between geology, geomorphology, geography and tourism. The region of Ehden in North Lebanon and its surroundings is characterized by a high geodiversity along with the natural coexistence and closeness of different landscape units and geological features. It sets a great sample as a cross-section of the variety of landscapes that identify the Lebanese territory. Geotourism potential of Ehden's area is evidenced based on a first of its time geomorphological study of the landscape presented through this paper. A geo-heritage field assessment was conducted to localize the main geosites using ArcGIS online base-maps. Based on a regional inventory, seven geosites have been selected, assessed and valorized through a rank of most to least geo-touristic potential based on a specific assessment framework. These geosites are identified as the most characteristic and illustrative of the distinguished landscape sectors. For each geosite, one or more landscape perspective/s has/have been detected. The selected geosites are easily perceptible both onsite and further through the extensive scenery within Ehden area and the surroundings. They are well-reserved and maintain a major role within the identity and recognition of the region through both the natural and cultural aspects. The study validates the landscape for the instrument and right tool to interpret geosites and to promote geotourism and geo-conservation.
Most well-characterized cases of adaptation involve single genetic loci. Theory suggests that multilocus adaptive walks should be common, but these are challenging to identify in natural populations. Here, we combine trait mapping with population genetic modeling to show that a two-step process rewired nutrient homeostasis in a population of Arabidopsis as it colonized the base of an active stratovolcano characterized by extremely low soil manganese (Mn). First, a variant that disrupted the primary iron (Fe) uptake transporter gene (IRT1) swept quickly to fixation in a hard selective sweep, increasing Mn but limiting Fe in the leaves. Second, multiple independent tandem duplications occurred at NRAMP1 and together rose to near fixation in the island population, compensating the loss of IRT1 by improving Fe homeostasis. This study provides a clear case of a multilocus adaptive walk and reveals how genetic variants reshaped a phenotype and spread over space and time.
Volcanic ecosystem services (ES) is a subject that has been overlooked by the vast ecosystem services literature, where the spotlight has been focused on the many ecosystem disservices (ED) of volcanic hazards. This study conducts a literature review using the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA) framework, identifying the main ES common to volcanic environments. The Common International Classification for Ecosystem Services typology is utilised to provide a classification of volcanic ES. A diverse array of 18 ES are identified, categorised as follows: provisioning (8), regulation and maintenance (2), and cultural (8). Resilience is a key property underpinning the ecological processes, functions and productivity of Andosols, which are often some of the most fertile soils on the planet. However, careful management of Andosols, volcano-themed national parks and geothermal energy resources remains necessary to ensure that the flow of related ES is sustainable. Through sustainable soil and geothermal energy resource management, volcanic ES can make a long-term contribution to the tackling of climate change, including the partial offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions released via volcanic degassing during eruptions. Sustainable tourism management can ensure the protection, conservation and economic development of volcanic sites of high geo-heritage value, including national parks and geoparks, where the distinct aesthetics of such environments underpin the recreational and tourist experience.
Mount Sinabung was active again in 2010 after 400 years of dormancy and it is still erupting to date. The eruptions produced volcanic ash which blanket the soil surface. The distribution of volcanic materials was monitored by using Landsat Satellite which covers an area of 30, 320 Ha in 2018, then in 2019, it changed to 1, 371 Ha. After eruptions for 10 years, we believed soil characteristics are changed. The objective of this study was to characterize soil properties in the vicinity of Mt. Sinabung. There were 34 soil samples taken at a depth of 0-20 cm with a total research area of 4, 517.25 Ha. The samples were analyze for chemical properties included pH (H 2 O), total N, organic carbon, exchangeable base cations, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The results showed that the pH (H 2 O) ranged from very acidic to neutral (4.14-6.52). The total N low to high category (0.13-0.60%). Organic carbon low to very high (1.73-13.05%). The exchangeable base cations have a high concentration with values of K (1.60-2.98 cmol kg ⁻¹ ), Na (3.72-7.45 cmol kg ⁻¹ ) and Mg (5, 79-12.15 cmol kg ⁻¹ ) respectively. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) showed high to very high category values (11.78-97.71 cmol kg ⁻¹ ). Volcanic ash provides many benefits to soil properties. This indicates that volcanic ash enrich soils by providing nutrients to the soils aftermath of volcanic eruptions.
Sorption of oxyanions by soils and mineral surfaces is of interest due to their role as nutrients or pollutants. Volcanic soils are variable charge soils, rich in active forms of aluminum and iron, and capable of sorbing anions. Sorption and desorption of vanadate, arsenate, and chromate by two African andosols was studied in laboratory experiments. Sorption isotherms were determined by equilibrating at 293 K soil samples with oxyanion solutions of concentrations between 0 and 100 mg L⁻¹ V, As, or Cr, equivalent to 0−2.0 mmol V L⁻¹, 0−1.3 mmol As L⁻¹, and 0−1.9 mmol Cr L⁻¹, in NaNO3; V, As, or Cr were determined by ICP-mass spectrometry in the equilibrium solution. After sorption, the soil samples were equilibrated with 0.02 M NaNO3 to study desorption. The isotherms were adjusted to mathematical models. After desorption with NaNO3, desorption experiments were carried out with a 1 mM phosphate. The sorption of vanadate and arsenate was greater than 90% of the amount added, while the chromate sorption was much lower (19–97%). The sorption by the Silandic Andosol is attributed to non-crystalline Fe and Al, while in the Vitric Andosol, crystalline iron species play a relevant role. The V and Cr sorption isotherms fitted to the Freundlich model, while the As sorption isotherms conformed to the Temkin model. For the highest concentrations of oxyanions in the equilibrating solution, the sorbed concentrations were 37–38 mmol V kg⁻¹, 25 mmol As kg⁻¹, and 7.2–8.8 mmol Cr kg⁻¹. The desorption was low for V and As and high for Cr. The comparison of the sorption and desorption isotherms reveals a pronounced hysteresis for V in both andosols and for Cr in the Silandic Andosol. Phosphate induced almost no V desorption, moderate As desorption, and considerable Cr desorption.
Volcanic soils cover only approximately 1% of the Earth's surface, yet they support 10% of the world's population
due to their inherent fertility. However, deep magmatic processes may lead to depletion of certain elements in
volcanic rocks. The imbalance of essential elements, such as cobalt, in soil parent materials can affect the health
of plants and grazing animals and, thus, humans.Within the particular geological context of the Azores, the present
study aims to assess cobalt concentration in volcanic soils to predict the risk of cobalt deficiency in animals
and humans.
Samples from agricultural topsoils and pasture grass were collected in six volcanic regions of São Miguel Island,
and their physicochemical propertiesweremeasured, including selected transitionmetal element contents, such
as iron, manganese and cobalt. The soil cobalt concentration was below 5 mg/kg in Povoaçãob Furnas/Congrob
Sete Cidadesb Fogo and was higher than 10 mg/kg in Picosb Nordeste. Cobalt concentrations were very low in
pasture grass. Values below 0.1 mg/kg were observed in Furnas/CongrobPovoaçãobFogobPicosbSete Cidades,
and only the volcanic region of Nordeste had adequate values of cobalt (0.34 ± 0.19 mg/kg) in pasture grass to
fulfill animal needs. The concentrations of iron and manganese were also significantly higher in the two latter
volcanic regions. These differences result fromthe pedogenesis of volcanic rockswith distinct geochemical compositions
related to different degrees of magmatic evolution.
The results show that there is a significant lack of cobalt in agricultural soils on São Miguel and that it is important
to predict the risk of cobalt deprivation due to its significant biological value. Soils deficient in cobalt can reduce
plant growth, result in the impairment of vitamin B12 formation in animals, and consequently affect animal and
human health
Multi-proxy sediment records from Castor Lake and Scanlon Lake, north-central Washington, provide a late Quaternary perspective on lake/catchment hydrologic and ecosystem responses to climate change and the Mazama volcanic ashfall event. Analyses of authigenic carbonate mineral oxygen and carbon isotope values, organic carbon and nitrogen content, and sedimentological facies were conducted on sediment from Castor Lake in order to reconstruct lake/catchment hydrologic balance, the source and abundance of organic matter, and variations in lake level. Sedimentary facies characterization was conducted on the Scanlon Lake sediment in order to provide supporting evidence for the lake-level shifts inferred from the Castor Lake data. Marked changes in Castor Lake proxy values occur from 12,860 to 11,440 calendar years before present (yr BP), suggesting lake/catchment responses to the Younger Dryas cold reversal including higher lake levels, substantial variability in productivity, and increased catchment erosion. High δ¹⁸O values at 9630 yr BP indicate that lake levels were lower than at present and that the early Holocene was dry. Sedimentological analyses and δ¹⁸O data demonstrate that subsequent to the Mazama climactic eruption (∼7600 yr BP), a transition to the lowest lake levels of the Holocene occurred over several centuries, with maximum δ¹⁸O values at 7290 (90% uncertainty range: 7020–7500) yr BP and low lake levels persisting until 6190 (5960–6410) yr BP. Lithological changes in the Scanlon Lake record support these inferences. The lowest δ¹⁸O values of the Holocene occur in sediment from ∼5000 yr BP, indicating high lake levels at this time, after which a secular trend toward higher δ¹⁸O values and lower lake levels occurred. The prolonged lowstand in the centuries following the Mazama eruption suggests that catchment hydrologic characteristics were strongly impacted by the ashfall through effects on soil water retention capacity, that similar responses may have occurred in comparable settings within the Mazama ashfall zone, and that such volcanic events have the potential confound the climate signal in lake sediment records. Were a similar event to happen in the future, catchment hydrology, stream/river discharge, and lake/catchment ecosystem dynamics could be affected for centuries.
Volcanic soils cover 1% of the Earth's surface but support 10% of the world's population. They are among the most fertile soils in the world, due to their excellent physical properties and richness in available nutrients. The major limiting factor for plant growth in volcanic soils is phosphate fixation, which is mainly attributable to active species of aluminium and iron. The sorption and desorption of phosphate is studied on the surface horizons of two African agricultural soils, a silandic Andosol (Rwanda) and a vitric Andosol (São Tomé and Principe). Both soils are slightly acid. The silandic Andosol is rich in active aluminium forms, while the vitric Andosol has high amounts of crystalline iron and aluminium oxides. Sorption isotherms were determined by equilibrating at 293K soil samples with phosphate solutions of concentrations between 0 and 100 mg P L −1 in NaNO 3 ; phosphate was determined by visible spectrophotometry in the equilibrium solution. To study desorption, the soil samples from the sorption experiment were equilibrated with 0.02 M NaNO 3. The isotherms were adjusted to mathematical models. In almost all the concentration range, the adsorption of phosphate by the silandic Andosol was greater than 90% of the amount added, being lower in the vitric Andosol but always higher than 65%. The high sorption by the silandic Andosol is attributed to its richness in non-crystalline Fe and Al, while in the vitric Andosol crystalline iron species seem to play a relevant role in the adsorption. The sorption isotherms of both soils fitted to the Temkin model, the adjustment to the Langmuir or Freundlich models being unsatisfactory; throughout the range studied, the sorption increases with increasing phosphorus concentration, a maximum sorption is not predictable (as occurs when the sorption is adjusted to the Langmuir model). For an added P concentration of 100 mg L −1 (3.2 mmol L −1), the sorption is 47.7 µmol P g −1 in the silandic Andosol and 41.6 µmol P g −1 in the vitric Andosol. The desorption is low and the comparison of the sorption and desorption isotherms reveals a pronounced hysteresis, that is, the irreversibility of the sorption. The high phosphate sorption and its irreversibility are comparable to those published for other volcanic soils with high contents of allophane, active aluminium and free iron. The strong phosphate adsorption is a serious limiting factor for plant growth, which requires a careful management of phosphorus fertilization.
Clays with high sensitivity exhibit varied degrees of thixotropic characteristics. Previous research has been focused on dilute suspensions, but only a few studies have investigated normal clay with water contents lower than the liquid limit. Given the limited studies performed, the thixotropic behavior of clays and the underlying mechanism remain ambiguous, particularly in the microscopic scale. In this study, samples of Zhanjiang clay from southern China were used to elucidate the thixotropic process. The samples were agitated and then subjected to unconfined compressive strength and pocket penetrometer tests, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry to evaluate their regain strength and microstructure. After 500 d of thixotropy, the strength of the Zhanjiang clay was 2.58 times higher than that after the disturbance and significantly higher than that of the other clays reported in the literature. These findings provide evidence that thixotropy is a process in which the dispersed structure is transformed into a flocculent structure through the homogenization of the pore size distribution caused by particle movement. This phenomenon may be due to the changes in the interaction of attractive and repulsive forces between particles. Given the experimental findings, a thixotropic mechanism for clay is proposed. This study will be beneficial for predicting the strength of disturbed soils.
Large quantities of wastewater are generated from municipal and industrial sources in New Zealand. More stringent discharge standards and recent improvements in wastewater treatment technology have contributed to the production of large quantities of solid residuals. Increasing public, cultural, and regulatory pressures to protect water quality have resulted in significant interest in applying residuals to plantation forests.
In a well-managed land application site, the forest ecosystem can efficiently handle organic contaminants and recycle nutrients provided through the residuals, resulting in significant increase in plant growth. Due to large variations in characteristics of different residuals, land application system design must be tailored to match a particular residual with the assimilation capacities of a particular soil–plant system. In New Zealand, many wastewater irrigation systems are employed in forested land as an alternative treatment of liquid residuals. In recent years, large-scale forested land application of municipal and pulp and paper industrial solid residuals have also increased as a preferred alternative to landfilling. It has been suggested that natural abundance of ¹⁵N can be used to trace the fate of residual-derived N in the ecosystems. This technique can resolve one of the main environmental concerns associated with application of residuals in forested land, namely nitrate leaching. Intensive research indicates that significant economic and social benefits can be achieved with minimal adverse impact on the receiving environment.
This paper provides an overview of the research issues associated with application of residuals on forested soils in New Zealand, such as sustainability, beneficial effects, and potential adverse impacts on soil and environmental quality. Performances of 4 case studies, representing application of 2 liquid residuals and 2 solid residuals to forested soils in New Zealand, are discussed.
Long-term application of wastewater adds large amounts of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) to soils, and their effects on soil quality are not fully known. We compared the distribution of C, N, P, and Olsen P in the top 0.75 m of an allophanic soil after 22 years irrigation with dairy factory effluent with that in a non-irrigated soil. Earthworm species, biomass and distribution, microbial biomass, microbial activity, and relative use of substrates were measured to evaluate the contribution of biological processes to cycling and redistribution of total C. Total C did not differ between irrigated and non- irrigated soil, although there was less total C in the 0–0.1 m layer and more total C at 0.1–0.5 m in the effluent-irrigated soil. Microbial biomass C and basal respiration activity were increased by 4- and 1.6- fold, respectively, in the 0–0.1 m layer of the irrigated soil. Measurements of relative use of substrates indicated that the greater microbial biomass in the effluent-irrigated soil was supported by the inputs of available C (particularly lactose) in the effluent rather than by greater decomposition of the organic C in the soil. Irrigation increased total N storage by 2.1 t/ha and total P was increased by 11.5 t/ha. Most of the increase in total N occurred in the 0.1–0.5 m layers, whereas total P was greater at all depths. Olsen P also increased at all depths by 1.3- to 23-fold. Approximately 8% of the N and 91% of the P applied during the past 22 years was stored in the 0–0.75 m layer of the profile, with the potential for further P storage. Effluent irrigation increased the total soil nutrient stores, without detrimental effects on total C storage. Changes in nutrient distribution at the irrigated site can be partially attributed to leaching and the dominance (155 g/m² ) of the earthworm Aporrectodea longa, which forms permanent burrows to lower depths.
A book dedicated to the morphology, genesis, classification, mineralogy, chemical and physical characteristics, productivity and utilization of volcanic ash soils
- Amsterdam Elsevier
Elsevier, Amsterdam. [ A book dedicated to the morphology, genesis, classification, mineralogy, chemical
and physical characteristics, productivity and utilization of volcanic ash soils.]
Distribution and Classification of Volcanic Ash Soils [This paper gives a broad review of the different systems used to classify volcanic soils
- T Takahashi
- S Shoji
Takahashi, T. and Shoji, S. (2002). Distribution and Classification of Volcanic Ash Soils. Global
Environmental Research 6 : 83-97. [This paper gives a broad review of the different systems used to classify
volcanic soils.]
Andisols of New Zealand and Australia [A review paper summarizing the classification and use of the volcanic soils in New Zealand with a small area near Mt
- D J Lowe
- D J Palmer
Lowe, D.J. and Palmer, D.J. (2005). Andisols of New Zealand and Australia. Journal of Integrated Field
Science 2 (Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University) : 39-65. [A
review paper summarizing the classification and use of the volcanic soils in New Zealand with a small area
near Mt. Gambier in Australia.]
Use of Tephra for Removal of Dissolved Inorganic Phosphate from Sewage Effluent [A seminal paper on the use of the high phosphate retention of allophane in volcanic soils to remove phosphate from effluents
- J C Ryden
- J K Syers
Ryden, J.C. and Syers, J.K. (1975). Use of Tephra for Removal of Dissolved Inorganic Phosphate from
Sewage Effluent. New Zealand Journal of Science 18 (1) : 3-16. [A seminal paper on the use of the high
phosphate retention of allophane in volcanic soils to remove phosphate from effluents.]
The Andisol Proposal International Committee on Andisols: Final Report
- G D Smith
- M L Leamy
- D I Kinloch
- R L Parfitt
Smith, G.D. (1978). The Andisol Proposal. Republished in: Leamy, M.L., Kinloch, D.I. and Parfitt, R.L.,
eds. (1990). International Committee on Andisols: Final Report. Technical Monograph No. 20. Soil
Management Support Services, Washington D.C.), 16pp. [This publication was the key publication that
led to the establishment of ICOMAND, charged with reviewing the status of volcanic soils within Soil
Taxonomy (1975).]
Soil Map of the WorldNow available as a CD-Rom). [This publication details the classification and distribution of the volcanic soils of the world
- Fao Unesco
FAO/UNESCO (1974). Soil Map of the World. Volume 1. Legend. UNESCO Press, Paris.(Now available as a
CD-Rom). [This publication details the classification and distribution of the volcanic soils of the world.]
Proceedings of the Fourth International Classification Workshop, Rwanda 2 to 12
- F H Beinroth
- H Neel
- H Eswaran
Beinroth, F.H., Neel, H. and Eswaran, H., eds. (1981). Proceedings of the Fourth International Classification
Workshop, Rwanda 2 to 12 June 1981. Part 1: Papers. 518 pp. [Papers within this workshop include
information on the volcanic soils of Rwanda, Cameroon, Central and South America, and Hawaii.]
Volcanic-ash Soils in New Zealand. D.S.I.R. Information series, 65. 39 p. [A review publication designed for the general public, detailing the volcanic soils of New Zealand
- H S Gibbs
Gibbs, H.S. (1968). Volcanic-ash Soils in New Zealand. D.S.I.R. Information series, 65. 39 p. [A review
publication designed for the general public, detailing the volcanic soils of New Zealand.]