Granitic soils in the Highlands support the cultivation of Arabica coffee in northern Thailand; however, their geochemical and radiological properties are inadequately defined. This study examined major oxides, trace elements, natural radionuclides, and extractable phosphorus in granitic-derived coffee soils from the Agricultural Innovation Research, Integration, Demonstration, and Training Center (AIRID) in Chiang Mai. Twenty soil samples were obtained from 10 locations at two depth intervals (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm). Major and trace elements were analyzed via X-ray fluorescence (XRF), natural radionuclides were analyzed through high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, and extractable phosphorus was determined using the Bray II method. The soils demonstrate remarkably high ⁴⁰K activity concentrations (1.2–1.9 kBq kg⁻¹) and increased K₂O contents (4.9–7.8 wt%), about three to five times more than worldwide soil averages according to Reimann & de Caritat, indicating enrichment from potassium-rich granitic rocks. Major oxide compositions suggest extensive tropical weathering, characterized by elevated SiO₂ (>60 wt%) and Al₂O₃ (>14 wt%), alongside significant depletion of CaO and MgO (<1 wt%). In topsoil, Bray II–extractable phosphorus constitutes 10–25% of total phosphorus and has a robust positive connection with P₂O₅ (R² = 0.95, p < 0.001), signifying surface accumulation and restricted vertical mobility. Multivariate analysis indicates lithogenic grouping of trace elements with negligible vertical redistribution. These findings establish a geochemical and radiological baseline for highland coffee soils in northern Thailand, with implications for soil fertility assessment, soil–plant transfer research, and evaluations of natural radioactive exposure related to coffee production.

Scoria cones are a typical product of volcanic activity constructed by the bomb and lapilli-sized pyroclasts formed by Strombolian eruption. Mount Pengki is a scoria cone found in Miocene Dago Volcano, West Java. Mount Pengki was a remnant of a Miocene volcano that was exceptionally well preserved and exposed. This scoria cone contains layers of scoria beds and a lava flow unit. The study aims to characterize the exposed scoria bed deposits and investigate the eruptive history and degradation process of Mount Pengki. Field observation, including measured sections and detailed characterizations of the Mount Pengki quarry, allows us to observe its volcanic sequence from its internal structure toward the surface. Morphometric analysis of Mount Pengki can describe the degradation process undergone by the scoria cone. The early phase deposits were characterized by massive to weakly bedded, poorly sorted, clast-supported beds mainly composed of coarse lapilli to bombs/blocks scoria grain. The middle phase deposit typically shows well-stratified, well-sorted, clast-supported scoria beds with coarse ash to coarse lapilli grain size. The late phase deposit is similar to the middle phase deposit, with additional features of coarser-grain, reverse grading, and clast-supported lenticular beds. Eruptive mechanisms involved in the formation of Mount Pengki include ballistic transport of clasts, fallout deposition, and grain avalanching process. The degradation process was likely influenced by prolonged exposure to weathering, cone rim collapse, and regional deformation processes.