Exploring the roots of the problem: How a South American tree adapts to volcanic soils
Sunday, January 26, 2014 - 08:00
in Earth & Climate
Soils of southern South America, including Patagonia, have endured disturbances from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Also, massive fires in the mid-20th century were set to forests in order to promote colonization. In 2010, another 17,000 acres of Patagonia burned, fueling an international reforestation effort. Although the young soils of Patagonia may contain high phosphorus levels, the element is tightly bound to the soil. How can local plants take root and access that phosphorus?