The predominant soil order in Hawaii and Iceland are andisols. Why? (hint: what do they have in common?) Soil Orders of Hawaii and Iceland: Comparing Andisols

Soil Orders of Hawaii and Iceland: Comparing Andisols

The soils of Hawaii and Iceland have many similarities that stem from their respective geologic histories. Both countries have experienced volcanic activity in the past, and the resulting soil order in both locations is Andisols. Andisols, or volcanic ash soils, are characterized by their high content of the mineral allophane, which is formed by the weathering of volcanic rock (Buckley and Cresser, 1998). These soils are highly weathered, often acidic, and contain many micro and macro nutrients that are beneficial to plant growth (Cresser et al., 2017). Andisols represent a significant proportion of the total soil in both Hawaii and Iceland. In Hawaii, they are found in the volcanic regions of the island and are rich in iron, aluminum, and silicon (Cresser et al., 2017). In Iceland, Andisols are found mainly in the western and northern parts of the island, where they are often covered by a layer of lava (Hersir, 2018). The soils of both regions are important for agriculture, as they are nutrient-rich and water-retentive, making them ideal for growing crops. Cont…