Charge fingerprint in relation to mineralogical composition of Quaternary volcanic ash along a climatic gradient on Java Island, Indonesia

We studied the relationship between the mineralogical composition and surface charge properties of representative Quaternary volcanic ash soils, classified as Andosols, along an East-West sequence on Java Island in Indonesia. The soil charge characteristics were determined using ‘charge fingerprinting’ procedures. Most of the studied soils have a limited ability to retain cations under their forest or grass vegetation. The surface charge properties of these soils are mainly related to allophane and organic matter contents and, to a lesser degree, to ferrihydrite content and layer silicate characteristics. In East Java, the soils are Andosols with low allophane content, dominated either by halloysitic clays or by a mixture of 2:1 and 1:1 layer silicate clays; these soils are characterized by a low to moderate permanent charge. In West Java, the soils are rich in allophane, with subordinate kaolinitic clays, gibbsitic material or a mixture of 1:1 and 2:1 layer silicate clays; in contrast to the allophane-poor soils of East Java, these soils have extreme variable charge characteristics, creating a net ‘positive’ variable surface charge at soil pH. Differences in mineralogical composition of the clay fraction are attributed mainly to more pronounced seasonality in East Java, with variations in parent ash composition, becoming more acidic from east to west, as subordinate factor. The more severely leaching environment in West Java results in a higher degree of desilication, which led to a higher point of zero net charge (PZNC) and pHo in the allophane-rich soils. This study demonstrates how a climatic gradient can affect regional variations in charge properties, through the impact of climate on the mineralogical composition of the clay fraction. Regional patterns of this type must be understood to correctly assess of variations in soil fertility status and to make correct soil management choices for sustainable crop production.