Volcanic soils...

[Externet]

Heard many times comments on volcanic solis being very rich yielding good cultivable areas.

Heard other times, and seen myself volcanic soils being totally deprived of vegetation and life.

How do both match ?

[Mr Skeptic]

Hot lava isn't very conductive to life. However, it does have plenty of minerals, fresh out of the earth. It takes a while to convert to soil however. If it wasn't for new material such as volcanic material, our soils would eventually be washed into sand as all the minerals get carried away to sea.

[skippy]

Volcanically derived soils are usually more fertile, but not always.

Parent material is a significant factor when it comes to soil fertility. Soils which are derived from, or are on a basaltic base tend to be more fertile and ideal for certain types of farming, whereas soils which are derived from and/or ontop of a sedimentary base such as sandstone are usually less arable. This has alot to do with drainage and the soils ability to retain moisture, minerals and essential elements such as N and P. Basalt is relatively impermeable in comparison to most sedimentary rocks, so minerals are not leached as easily. However, even the most fertile volcanic soils can be degraded by erosion, leaching, over irrigation, salinity, vegetation removal etc..

[John Cuthber]

I can't think of any nitrogen compounds that would be present in volcanic soils.

Eventually nitrates from the air (via lightning) would provide nitrogen but until then life would struggle.

[Moontanman]

I can't think of any nitrogen compounds that would be present in volcanic soils.

Eventually nitrates from the air (via lightning) would provide nitrogen but until then life would struggle.

 

 

Nitrogen fixing bacteria would be better and faster than lightning. I'm pretty sure these bacteria need the minerals in volcanic soil, Molybdenum is important to nitrogen fixing bacteria, I'm not sure if Molybdenum occurs more often in volcanic soils or not ...

 

http://www.the-compost-gardener.com/actinomycetes.html

 

These nitrogen fixing bacteria and their host plants are often pioneer species on young nitrogen deficient and disturbed soils such as moraines, volcanic flows and sand dunes. They help create a reservoir of nitrogen rich soil that the next wave of plants can benefit from.

[John Cuthber]

"These nitrogen fixing bacteria and their host plants"

What plants?

Catch 22.

 

Depending on circumstances, bird droppings might well be the bets source of nitrogen

Edited August 9, 2010 by John Cuthber

[Moontanman]

"These nitrogen fixing bacteria and their host plants"

What plants?

Catch 22.

 

Depending on circumstances, bird droppings might well be the bets source of nitrogen

 

http://www.biologyreference.com/Mo-Nu/Nitrogen-Fixation.html

 

The bacterial genera Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium have developed a large number of symbioses with members of the Fabaceae (legume) family. Fabaceae includes alfalfa, clover, beans and peas of all kinds, mesquites, acacias, and dozens of other species both domesticated and wild. The roots of the host plant become infected with the bacteria as seedlings, and respond by surrounding the bacteria with root hairs. The relationship between a particular host species and a particular bacterium is highly specific,

[daniel90]

Yeah, i agree that volcanic soils have their uses, but will the soil indirectly pose any harmful effects on the livestock that is being grown?

Just asking cause i would think they would.

Cheers