In Part 1 of this article, we looked at the rich chemical composition of volcanic soil. In this second part, we’ll explore additional factors that make volcanic regions ideal for producing the world’s best coffee.
Not All Volcanic Soil Is on the Volcano Itself
Strictly speaking, volcanic soil doesn't need to be located directly on a volcano. It can be found kilometers — even tens or hundreds of kilometers — away. That depends on how far lava, ash, and rocks were dispersed during past eruptions, how active the volcano has been, the number of nearby volcanoes, and how far the wind and rain have carried volcanic residue over time.
So, even land located far from a volcano can be classified as volcanic if it was significantly affected by past eruptions. Some countries have such a high density of volcanoes that almost their entire territory can be considered volcanic. The only soil type arguably richer is chernozem (black earth) — and, as it happens, the majority of the world’s chernozem is found in Ukraine.
Elevation and Coffee Quality
As you may know, high-quality Arabica coffee grows best at specific altitudes. Typically, this means elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 meters above sea level, with most coffee grown below 2,200 m. Interestingly, many volcanoes — both dormant and active — fall within this elevation range. Some (like the highest volcano in the world at 6,879 meters) even provide slopes suitable for high-altitude coffee farming.
Why Volcanic Slopes Are Perfect for Coffee
Volcanic slopes — being volcanic soil by definition — are particularly well-suited for growing coffee thanks to the following advantages:
1. Shade: Coffee thrives in the shade. When protected by tree canopies or hillsides, the plants are shielded from direct sunlight, which prevents scorching and promotes slower cherry ripening — resulting in richer flavor.
2. Excellent Drainage: Coffee loves soil that retains water well but drains efficiently. The ideal soil is a mix of clay, loam, sand, organic matter, and porous volcanic rock. Volcanic soil offers exactly this combination.
3. Moisture Distribution: Slopes help water run off gradually, nourishing surrounding flora and fauna. The water doesn’t stagnate — there's typically enough for everyone.
4. Optimal Orientation: Farmers can choose the best side of a volcanic slope for planting — ideally one that gets gentle morning and evening sunlight while avoiding the harsh midday sun. Many conical volcanoes make this possible.
5. Plant Synergy: Coffee plants often grow in symbiosis with other species, which can improve the flavor profile of the beans by introducing unique taste notes.
What Makes a Volcano Ideal for Coffee Farming?
Not every volcano is suitable for agricultural use. The ideal volcano is:
• Long dormant (extinct or inactive for thousands or millions of years)
• Conical in shape, with sloped sides
• Predictable and stable
Still, farmers sometimes risk planting on active volcanoes — for example, in Colombia (Huila Volcano) or Mexico (El Chichón in Chiapas).
Volcanoes Unsuitable for Coffee Cultivation:
• With unstable or eroded slopes (landslides or falling rocks are a risk)
• Vertically shaped or jagged, where farming isn’t physically possible
• With toxic emissions, such as constant sulfur or hydrogen sulfide fumes, which kill plant life
• Overly rocky or weathered volcanoes that lack usable soft soil
And If Coffee Isn’t an Option?
If a volcano’s base isn’t high enough for growing quality Arabica or Robusta, farmers often use the volcanic soil for other crops. Dozens of plant species love volcanic soil, making it a valuable resource even beyond coffee.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you’d like to keep learning, we’ll be happy to keep supplying you with great content in the future!