shirasu; white pumiceous soil of southern Kyushu
A geological term for a specific type of volcanic deposit found in southern Kyushu, often used in local contexts.
The shirasu plateau in Kagoshima is used for agriculture.
Shirasu drains well, so it is suitable for growing sweet potatoes.
Kanji spelling is possible but rare; the word is normally written in kana.
The term シラス (shirasu) is a local name for the white pumiceous soil found in southern Kyushu. The kanji 白砂 literally means 'white sand', but the word is usually written in kana.