Amazonian Dark Earths: Origin, Properties, Management

Johannes Lehmann, Dirse C. Kern, Bruno Glaser, William I. Woods1402018398, 9781402018398, 9781402025976

Dark Earths are a testament to vanished civilizations of the Amazon Basin, but may also answer how large societies could sustain intensive agriculture in an environment of infertile soils. This book examines their origin, properties, and management. Questions remain: were they intentionally produced or a by-product of habitation. Additional new and multidisciplinary perspectives by leading experts may pave the way for the next revolution in soil management in the humid tropics.