The Properties and Genesis of Four Middle Altitude Dystrandept Volcanic Ash Soils from Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Abstract

Hawaii is one of the volcanic areas of the world. Volcanic ash is widespread throughout the area, and many soils contain ash as part of their parent material. The soils derived from volcanic ash contain predominantly amorphous mineral colloids that have high chemical activity. The Hydrol Humic Latosols on which sugarcane is grown have received much study, but the volcanic ash soils in the higher elevations have not. This study provides information about these soils located at higher elevations.