Dry farming with soils under natural tephra cover in Lanzarote, Spain

The volcanic island of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) is one of the most arid parts of the European Union. During the eruptions of 1730-36, a third of the island was covered with lava and pyroclastic material. In areas under basaltic tephra, an agrosystem has been developed that allows a form of dry farming that has become a key component of the local economy. This article illustrates the effectiveness of the layer of natural tephra mulch in conserving soil and water.