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Ontario, Canada.

Nova On PBS last week. Did anyone see it and the giant plants that grow in the volcanic soils of Kilimanjaro.
Many people risk living near volcanoes for economic reasons. Soils formed from volcanic debris and rock are rich in calcium, phosphate, boron, and potash, all of which make them very fertile. Also, the porous nature of volcanic debris promotes good drainage and enhances the decay of organic material. These two factors also contribute to the soils' high productivity. Volcanically active regions are some of the most valuable agricultural regions in the world.

11/28/2003 1:34:52 PM

Montoursville, PA

Now you are onto something worthwhile. Seek and add modest amounts of volcano area soil materials. I seek and use twenty pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per year. Just for a change this year I used Eastern Green Sand. Texas Green Sand is minutely different as are the various volcano type additives. Mix it up as you can find different sources for the best of all worlds. I even managed to drag home a bucket full of real Mt. Hood ash debris last summer. Yes, I got it from private property. I did however wittness a nice lady filling a sandwich baggie full in the National Park Area...apparently for her house plants. Hint: A lunch bucket or small coke cooler will hold ten pounds easily.
Someone else told me that. ]:o)

11/28/2003 7:45:56 PM

Commack, NY

Hey Kahuna, i saw the same thing on Nova and i thought the same thing that you did!
Scott

11/28/2003 8:35:43 PM

Deer Park WA

I got ya beat their Doc, I work for a University where they are drilling an 800' deep big hole well, and scored 40 yards of Grand Rhonde/Wanapum lava flow Basalt & sand stone rock interbed cuttings, about 4 million year old Lignites :)

Ps. Mt. Saint Hellens helped with the primordial salt as well.

11/28/2003 9:41:52 PM

Rocky-r@stny.rr.com

The product I add each year is Azomite, which is derived from Volcanic ash. More and more products are coming from the depths of the earth, as that is where the unused nutrients leech too. I believe that the addition of any of the volcanic by products is highly beneficial. Can't hurt..Nice source of calcium too!

11/28/2003 11:58:54 PM

Montoursville, PA

I just ordered Azomite from FERTRELL along with basic supplies for the next two years. When it comes in I go with my trailer and pick up for a couple of growers and gardeners. They will deliver but pick up worked out best for all of us.

12/16/2003 10:08:00 PM

Puyallup, WA

My only "beef" with Azomite is that it costs $19.95 a bag!
I've got to find some good Mount St. Helen's soil!

2/25/2004 11:12:47 PM