Ashfalls will be more likely to cause problems for plants that are not designed for high levels of turbidity and which may omit coagulation/flocculation treatment. Ash can enter filtration systems such as open sand filters both by direct fallout and via intake waters.

Does volcanic ash damage plants?

A: Yes. Volcanic ash contains sulphur and other toxic elements, which can be quite acidic and cause a 'burning effect' to the crops. Steady ash fall on a plant can cause damage to the stems and leaves due to the weight of the ash.

Can ashfall kill plants?

Ashfall alone is not likely to kill mature trees, but the accumulated weight of ash can break large branches in cases of heavy ashfall (>500 mm (20 in)). Defoliation of trees may also occur, especially if there is a coarse component of ash-sized particles or larger tephra and during heavy ashfall.