Potentially hazardous toxic materials are released into the environment during volcanic eruptions. High temperature volcanic ash generated and deposited for long periods of time after a volcanic eruption may have effects on both the chemistry and mineralogy of the soils beneath the ash. In addition, the ash generated may also contain high levels of metals that have adverse effects on the environment. Eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano located in Montserrat, West Indies in 1997, has had major impacts on the ecology of the island. The most recent eruption of the volcano in 2003, has resulted in widespread deposition of fresh ash and pumice. Chemical studies performed on the highly acidic volcanic ash (pH 3.8-4.3) and soils (pH 4.1-4.4) collected from the volcanic region of Montserrat island indicate that the ash is rich in Ca, Al, Mg, Na, K, S, and Phosphate (P). Significant amounts of heavy metals such as Zn, Mn and Fe were also detected in this volcanic ash. Available nutrients and metals in ash and soil samples were determined by Mehlich I, Mehlich IIII, DTPA, and Ammonium acetate extractions. The amounts of nutrients and metals in volcanic-ash-covered soils were compared to those obtained from unaffected areas. Studies were also conducted to compare nutrient and metal composition in ash deposited in 2003 with ash from the 1997 eruption.