all over the world, for cropsVolcanic soilMore fertile than normal soil (including coffee beans). Why?
Within 100 kilometers of the world's 1,400 active volcanoes, 800 million people live within 100 kilometers, accounting for almost 10 of the world's population. Active volcanoes, although they are hugely destructive, also attract millions of tourists every year. In addition, volcanic material produced during volcanic eruptions mixes with the surrounding land to form the world's most fertile soil for growing crops.
Coffee trees thrive in volcanic soils, which have a range of physical, chemical and mineral properties that make them agriculturally superior to other soils. But the soil is only part of the equation, and the volcano's surroundings offer other favorable conditions.
Most volcanic soils are formed from "volcanic ash". Volcanic ash is a mixture of volcanic particles and rock fragments that eject from the crater during the eruption process and then fall to the ground, decomposing over time to produce the current volcanic soil.
Volcanic soils are ideal for plant rooting, first of all they have a low density and a stable but porous structure, which allows the soil to effectively retain water and be relatively drought resistant. Due to the high permeability of plant roots, plant roots can grow deep and drain easily, preventing roots from becoming too wet and causing rot.
Coffee trees need a variety of nutrients to grow, and these nutrients are transported through the soil. Volcanic soils are fertile because they are relatively "young" and they retain many of the nutrients present in the original rocks, and volcanic soils often contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and boron, all of which are important for the growth of coffee trees.
For example, potassium content affects the formation of coffee cherries and beans, as well as sugar and citric acid content, which in turn alters the flavor of coffee. Calcium is important for root and leaf development and affects how quickly fruits ripen and boron can increase crop yields. Studies have also shown that plants grown in phosphorus- and potassium-rich soils generally produce coffee with better aroma, flavor, and acidity.
Most volcanic soils are formed from "volcanic ash". Volcanic ash is a mixture of volcanic particles and rock fragments that eject from the crater during the eruption process and then fall to the ground, decomposing over time to produce the current volcanic soil.
Volcanic soils are ideal for plant rooting, first of all they have a low density and a stable but porous structure, which allows the soil to effectively retain water and be relatively drought resistant. Due to the high permeability of plant roots, plant roots can grow deep and drain easily, preventing roots from becoming too wet and causing rot.
Coffee trees need a variety of nutrients to grow, and these nutrients are transported through the soil. Volcanic soils are fertile because they are relatively "young" and they retain many of the nutrients present in the original rocks, and volcanic soils often contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and boron, all of which are important for the growth of coffee trees.
For example, potassium content affects the formation of coffee cherries and beans, as well as sugar and citric acid content, which in turn alters the flavor of coffee. Calcium is important for root and leaf development and affects how quickly fruits ripen and boron can increase crop yields. Studies have also shown that plants grown in phosphorus- and potassium-rich soils generally produce coffee with better aroma, flavor, and acidity.
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