Amazonian Dark Earths: Origin Properties Management

by Johannes Lehmann (Editor), Dirse C. Kern (Editor), Bruno Glaser (Editor)

Amazonian Dark Earths are not only a testament to the vanished civilizations of the Amazon Basin, but may provide the answer to how the large, sophisticated societies were able to sustain intensive agriculture in an environment with mostly infertile soils. Locally known as Terra Preta de Indio or Indian black earth, these anomalous soils are even today fertile and highly productive. Though clearly associated with pre-European settlements questions remain whether the Dark Earths were intentionally produced or merely a by-product of habitation activities. This publication provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of these fascinating soils: their origin, properties, and management through time. These new and multidisciplinary perspectives by leading experts on Amazonian Dark Earths may pave the way for the next revolution of soil management in the humid tropics.

524 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2004

About the author

Johannes Lehmann (1929-2011) was a German journalist and non-fiction writer.

Born in India as the son of a missionary Arno Lehmann, he later studied in England and lived most of his adult life in West Germany.

His daughter is author Christine Lehmann.