Volcanic Ash Soils

Genesis, Properties and Utilization

S. Shoji, M. Nanzyo, R.A. Dahlgren

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1994
• Print ISBN: 9780444897992
• eBook ISBN: 9780080869896
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Seismology & Volcanism

Volcanic eruptions are generally viewed as agents of destruction, yet they provide the parent materials from which some of the most productive soils in the world are formed. The high productivity results from a combination of unique physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. The importance and uniqueness of volcanic ash soils are exemplified by the recent establishment of the Andisol soil order in Soil Taxonomy. This book provides the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of volcanic ash soils in a single volume. It contains in-depth coverage of important topics including terminology, morphology, genesis, classification, mineralogy, chemistry, physical properties, productivity and utilization. A wealth of data (37 tables, 81 figures, and Appendix) mainly from the Tohoku University Andisol Data Base is used to illustrate major concepts. Twelve color plates provide a valuable visual-aid and complement the text description of the world-wide distribution for volcanic ash soils.This volume will serve as a valuable reference for soil scientists, plant scientists, ecologists and geochemists interested in biogeochemical processes occurring in soils derived form volcanic ejecta.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Volcanic Ash Soils: Genesis, Properties and Utilization
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Plates
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• The Authors
• CHAPTER 1. TERMINOLOGY CONCEPTS AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 2. MORPHOLOGY OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 3. GENESIS OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 4. CLASSIFICATION OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 5. MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 6. CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 7. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• CHAPTER 8. PRODUCTIVITY AND UTILIZATION OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS
• Appendix 1. Description and selected properties of Tsukuba soil, Findley Lake soil. Abashiri soil, and Yunodai soil
• Appendix 2. Andisol TU database, 1992
• Appendix 3. Selected thermodynamic data and uncertainties used in modeling mineral stability relationships in Fig. 5.12
• Appendix 4. Reactions and equilibrium constants (25°C) used in modeling stability relationships in Fig. 5.12
• References Index
• Subject Index