Preliminary research results on the use of volcanic ash and felsic volcanic rock in Vietnam as materials to support crop growth

Abstract

As we know, vascular plants (Tracheophyta) in general and crop plants require a defined amount of trace elements to ensure normal growth and development. In many developed countries, some natural materials have been used as an addition for growing ornamental plants, vegetables, and hydroculture plants. In Vietnam, natural minerals to support plant growth is still very limited. Meanwhile, the source of raw materials in the territory of Vietnam is quite popular, so the research and experiments using Vietnamese volcanic ash and felsic volcanic rocks as improving materials for plant growing is important and very necessary work. Analytical methods such as Ronghen Fluorescence (XRF), Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and calcination at 6500C, 7500C, and 9000C have been used to determine the composition of felsic tuff samples belonging to the Don Duong Formation (PY19) and mafic ash samples of the Dai Nga Formation (KR2/2). In addition, control sample matching method was also used in the research process to evaluate the growth plants. The experiment materials (raw samples and calcined samples at 9000C) were mixed with the soil for planting (in different proportions); two types of plants, named Caviar Cockatio (Chicken Crest Vegetables) and Amaranth Asiatica (Purple Amaranth), were selected for experimenting. In general, both Caviar Cockatio and Amaranth Asiatica developed quicker when grew on a ground of soil mixed with the experiment material. The plant’s growth rate depends on the type of material (unbaked, calcined), support material content, plant type and stage of growth. Primary research results show that volcanic materials in Vietnam can support the growth of plants.