For generations, farmers in Sicily have regarded volcanic ash from Mount Etna as a nuisance. But now, with increasingly frequent and intense eruptions, a shift is underway: ash is being recognized not as a threat, but as a valuable, sustainable resource. Farmers are now embracing the ash as a natural fertilizer, reducing reliance on chemicals and embracing a uniquely volcanic approach to agriculture.
The Scale of the Problem, and Opportunity
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, deposits an average of 12,000 tonnes of ash daily on surrounding towns during eruptions. In July 2024, the city of Catania alone saw 17,000 tonnes fall in a single day, taking nearly ten weeks to clear. For years, this was seen as a purely destructive force, disrupting farming and polluting irrigation. However, a five-year study by the University of Catania has revealed its potential.
The study found that Etna’s ash is rich in iron, aluminum, and silica—nutrients that improve soil drainage and provide natural fertilization. Tropical fruit producer Andrea Passanisi, who farms 100 hectares near Giarre, now uses ash as a core part of his fertilizing process. “It allows us to use fewer chemicals, which makes fertilizing cheaper and more sustainable,” he says. “It’s the future of agriculture.”
Beyond Agriculture: A Versatile Resource
The potential doesn’t stop at farming. Researchers led by Paolo Roccaro have identified uses for ash in road construction, wall insulation, water purification, and even as a material for 3D printers. This versatility has led some to call it “a gift that falls from the sky,” a sentiment echoed by vineyard owner Emilio Sciacca, who lets ash accumulate on his land to naturally improve drainage and fertilization.
The Regulatory Hurdle
Despite the clear benefits, widespread commercial use faces a significant barrier: European environmental regulations. Current laws classify volcanic ash as municipal waste if collected by cleaning crews, mandating expensive disposal at authorized landfills—around €300 per tonne. Recycling it for commercial use, however, could reduce that cost to just €30. This discrepancy led to financial crises for Sicilian towns in 2021, and prompted regional guidelines for ash reuse in 2024.
Yet, over a year later, no companies are officially registered to collect and refine ash for production. The key challenge remains convincing regulators that ash is a resource, not refuse.
Iceland’s Example: Long-Term Benefits
The story isn’t unique to Sicily. Farmers in Iceland also learned to embrace volcanic ash after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. While initially a threat to livestock through fluoride poisoning, wheat farmers like Thórarinn Ólafsson discovered that ash actually improved crop quality long-term. Others are finding creative uses, such as ceramist Guðbjörg Káradóttir, who incorporates volcanic ash into her porcelain creations as a cultural symbol.
From Waste to Resource
For now, the transformation relies on individuals like Nilla Zaira D’Urso, an art curator who turns ash into souvenirs, demonstrating that even a “nuisance” can become an asset. The shift from seeing ash as a burden to embracing it as an ally is gaining momentum.
The future of Etna’s ash hinges on policy changes and commercial adoption. But as Sicily and Iceland demonstrate, sometimes the most valuable resources fall right from the sky.
