Evolution of the Scientific Knowledge Regarding Archaeological Black Earths of Amazonia

Abstract

In Amazonia many small areas occur where soils were significantly affected by prehistoric man. These soils have a dark color, remains of archaeological materials, and higher Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, P, and C contents in comparison with the adjacent soils. Known as archaeological black earth (ABE), Indian Black Earth, or terra preta (Kern and Kämpf 1989), these soils represent a remarkable example of how man can modify the original soil characteristics in a positive sense, improving its fertility. For this reason, they are frequently sought by the local people for subsistence cultivation of manioc, banana, maize, papaya, etc.