Is Lava Good For Soil?
Yes, lava, specifically in the form of lava meal, is considered good for soil.
Lava meal, derived from volcanic rock, offers numerous advantages when incorporated into soil and garden applications. According to one reference, "Lava meal is hugely versatile: it is a great fertiliser, lime substitute, fungicide, insect barrier and effective blood lice fighter."
This indicates that lava meal acts in multiple ways to improve soil health and plant vitality.
Key Benefits of Lava Meal for Soil
- Great Fertiliser: Lava meal provides essential minerals that plants need for growth, acting as a natural and effective fertiliser. These minerals are released slowly over time, providing long-lasting nourishment.
- Lime Substitute: For acidic soils, lava meal can help adjust the pH, serving as a substitute for traditional lime products.
- Soil Structure Improvement: Incorporating lava meal can improve soil structure, enhancing drainage and aeration, which are crucial for healthy root development.
- Pest and Disease Control: The reference highlights its functions as a fungicide and insect barrier, suggesting it can help protect plants from common issues.
For organic gardeners and plant enthusiasts, lava meal is considered "a must-have" product due to its versatile nature and multiple benefits for soil and plant health.
Practical Applications
Lava meal can be applied to gardens and soil in various ways:
- Mixed directly into the soil before planting.
- Used as a top dressing around existing plants.
- Incorporated into compost piles to enrich the final product.
By providing minerals, balancing pH, and potentially offering pest/disease protection, lava meal contributes significantly to creating a healthy and productive soil environment.
