GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Volcanic ash is a multi-nutrient mineral fertilizer whose catalytic mechanism of action, replenishing trace metals necessary to soil bacterial enzymes for the efficient biogenochemical cycling of key elements such as N, C, P and S, ensures use of relatively small amounts to fertilize large soil surfaces.

Detailed explanation-2: -Volcanic ash is a versatile and effective multi-nutrient mineral fertilizer whose catalytic mechanism of action is based on the supply of trace metals to the soil microflora involved in the biogeochemical cycling of elemental nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus.

Detailed explanation-3: -Volcanic deposits are enriched in elements such as magnesium and potassium. When volcanic rock and ash weathers, these elements are released, producing extremely fertile soils. Thin layers of ash can act as natural fertilisers, producing increased harvests in years following an eruption.

Detailed explanation-4: -Other than the remnant primary minerals, the volcanic ash contains quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, kaolin-group mineral, alunite, anhydrite, gypsum, pyrophyllite, muscovite, chlorite, K-feldspar, biotite, rutile, garnet, pyrite, and smectite.

Detailed explanation-5: -The ash contains dozens of minerals including magnesium, calcium, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron and zinc; all important to plant growth. Once the ash falls to the ground, it comes into contact with water and other naturally occurring chemicals.