Potential Nutrient Carriers of Easily Weathered Minerals from Pyroclastic Materials of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta

Abstract

The eruption of Mount Merapi has had a negative impact on the community; however, on the other hand, it also has positive aspects that cannot be ignored. One of the major benefits associated with the eruption of this mountain is its ability to fertilize and restore the quality of the surrounding soil. This process of soil restoration involves the use of volcanic materials resulting from the eruption, specifically known as rejuvination or soil rejuvenation. In the concept of soil rejuvenation, pyroclastic materials play an important role due to their nutrient-rich content. These pyroclastic materials consist of various types of rocks and minerals, which have great potential to make a positive contribution in providing nutrients needed by plants. Based on the results of X-Ray diffraction analysis, the pyroclastic material from Mount Merapi is dominated by the mineral Albite, accounting for 81.3%. This mineral has the property of being easily weathered and susceptible to weathering agents. Volcanic materials from Mount Merapi can be utilized as agrominerals, this concept involves using volcanic material as a source of nutrients for plants since it contains both macro and micro nutrients required by plants.