Kanlaon eruption seen affecting Phl’s sugar production

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has warned that the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon this week could further impact the country’s sugar production.

In a chance interview with reporters on Tuesday, SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona said initial reports indicate ashfall from the eruption has affected La Carlota, Negros Occidental.

The area is home to one of the largest sugar mills in the region and the biggest sugar farmers’ association in the country, Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra Incorporated. The association contributes nearly 10 percent of the country’s sugar production.

Ash acidity

“The main problem, according to our technicians and scientists, is the acidity of ash. If it stays on the leaves, it will burn them. When the leaves are burned, what happens is that the canes mature much faster and go into inversion. Sugar turns into vinegar, more or less,” Azcona explained.

In a similar eruption last June, the SRA noted that volcanic ash caused physical damage to sugarcane leaves, reducing photosynthesis, and disrupting soil biology and chemistry, which negatively affected sugar yield.

Long-term effects included soil nutrient imbalance, compaction, erosion, and chemical leaching that could lower soil pH levels.

Despite uncertainties, Azcona expressed hope that rainfall would help wash away the ashfall, reducing its acidity and even benefiting sugarcane plantations.

“If acidity is lowered, volcanic ashfall can help crops as it is rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and trace elements that enhance soil fertility over time and improve crop yields,” Azcona said.

Fine ash particles

He added that controlled fine ash particles could improve soil texture and water retention, aid root growth, reduce the need for frequent irrigation and act as a natural pesticide by deterring pests.

Even before the eruption, the SRA projected a decline in sugar production for the current crop year, down 7.3 percent to 1.78 million metric tons from the previous year’s 1.92 million MT due to El Niño and La Niña.