Researchers at the University of Catania have made a significant discovery that could transform a long-standing agricultural nuisance into a useful resource. According to reporting by The Guardian, scientists have found that volcanic ash from Mount Etna may be repurposed as a fertiliser, offering new possibilities for farmers in southern Italy. For generations, farmers in Sicily have had to contend with the frequent fallout of ash from Europe’s most active volcano. While volcanic soils are known to be exceptionally fertile, the ash itself has typically been regarded as a persistent problem. It can contaminate water supplies, slow the growth of crops and requires specialised equipment to remove from farmland and villages.
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The situation worsened in 2011, when a series of eruptions deposited increasing amounts of ash across surrounding communities and agricultural land, intensifying the burden on local farmers. In the recent study, researchers examined the chemical composition of Etna’s ash and found that it can be processed into a substance capable of supporting plant growth. Rather than hindering crops, the material could potentially serve as an effective fertiliser.
Sicilian farmer Andrea Passanisi believes the discovery could change farming practices in the region. He explained that using fertiliser derived from volcanic ash could reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, making fertilisation both cheaper and more environmentally sustainable.
“It allows us to use fewer chemicals, which makes fertilising cheaper and more sustainable, respecting the equilibrium of nature without abusing it,” Passanisi said. He described the approach as “the future of agriculture”.
Although fertile soils around volcanoes have long been recognised for their productivity, the research suggests that volcanic ash itself may hold similar agricultural value. The study also adds to growing interest in alternatives to conventional fertilisers, such as biochar-based products that researchers have explored in recent years.
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Replacing chemical fertilisers with ash-based alternatives could also reduce the risk of harmful contaminants entering crops. Certain industrial fertilisers have been linked to substances such as PFAS, which have raised environmental and health concerns.
Despite the promise of the discovery, several challenges remain before ash-derived fertiliser can be widely adopted. Processing the ash costs around 30 euros per tonne, significantly less than the roughly 300 euros per tonne required to dispose of it as waste. However, existing Italian and European regulations still classify volcanic ash as waste material, preventing it from being officially recovered or recycled.
Although regional authorities have begun allowing limited reuse following the study, the private sector has so far been slow to embrace the innovation. Researchers hope that regulatory adjustments and greater industry interest could eventually help turn Mount Etna’s ash from a troublesome by-product into a valuable agricultural resource.
