The ash fall caused by the eruption of La Soufriere may not be all bad for agriculture in Barbados.
Chief Agricultural Officer Keeley Holder said while it could be problematic now for crops and livestock, there were medium to long-term benefits that could boost production.
“As it relates to crops and soil, there are two aspects of this,” said Holder, speaking on the Voice of Barbados’ radio call-in programme Brass Tacks Sunday.
“The short-term, immediate effects of the ash, which we are currently only getting a fine amount, that is not too heavy, but physically the ash could be damaging to crops. If you have young seedlings and you got quite a bit of ash coming down on them as well as the acid rain, which is pulling the ash with it, that can lead to issues for the plant surface. Hydration issues if it is absorbed, and you can get damage to your leaves and fruit.”
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