MidLand, Jakarta – How can volcanic eruption material fertilize the soil? Even researchers Professor in Soil Science at the University of Andalas, Dian Fiantis, demonstrates this through the results of the latest analyzes carried out in Mount Marapi.
Dian analyzed the contents of 40 samples of volcanic ash in the laboratory. This researcher, known as a volcanic ash hunter in Indonesia, collected samples from the Marapi eruption last December until recently this February.
As a result, Dian found that Mount Marapi ash had a pH or acidity level of between 5.50 and 7.00. This range is called Dian good for plants, because the ideal soil nutrient structure and plant fertility require the soil acidity level to be between 5.5 and 6.5.
Dian also analyzed other contents of Mount Marapi’s volcanic ash during the eruption. These include levels of CaO (calcium oxide) 10-17%, MgO (magnesium oxide) 0.1-1.9%, K20 (potassium oxide) 3.26-5.23%, P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) ) 1.91-5.89% and SO3 (sulfur trioxide) ) 0.71-13.50%.
“This is what nature brings to the soil for the fertility of human agriculture, without the need to rework it, it can become a natural and fertile fertilizer, even the fertility level of the soil mixed with volcanic ash is the best in the world,” he said Dian when contacted on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Volcano Island may be even more fertile
Another ingredient Dian found in the volcanic ash of Mount Marapi was SiO2 or silica oxide. The levels of compounds made up of silicon and oxygen atoms are less than 50% and fall into the basaltic category.
Residents ride motorbikes as Mount Marapi spews volcanic ash during its eruption in Batang Slasiah, Nagari Bukik Batabuah, Agam, West Sumatra, Friday, January 19, 2024. The local government has declared a state of emergency alert until January 24, 2024 in order to maximize the management of residents in the Monte Marapi risk area. BETWEEN PHOTOS/Iggoy el Fitra
Dian explained that the lower the silica oxide content, the higher the inorganic content such as CaO, MgO, K20, P2O5 and SO3. This condition makes the land even more fertile if volcanic ash reaches the ground. “Usually the mountains that have low silica oxide are mountains in the ocean, like in Hawaii. If we don’t have any, that’s normal,” Dian said.
The way nature takes care of soil fertility
Announcement
That’s why Dian hopes people won’t hate the volcanic ash released during the eruption of Mount Marapi or other volcanoes in Indonesia. Because according to him natural phenomena like this are a form of natural awareness of nature to maintain the fertility of the earth.
Professor at the University of Andalas, Dian Fiantis. Photo: Unand
However, what the local community affected by the eruption needs to pay attention to, Dian said, is in terms of respiratory health. Additionally, he prevents staple foods from being exposed to volcanic ash.
If the distribution of volcanic ash is sparse, Dian suggested that fields and areas surrounding residential areas could be cleaned simply with water. But if the ash is large enough, you should be careful and not let it come into contact with your body or collect on the roof of your house.
“I always provide education and raise public awareness that, if treated properly, volcanic ash can be a very useful natural fertilizer,” Dian said.
Editors Choice: List of 7 Websites for Reporting Election Fraud 2024
Quoted From Many Source
