Soil Fertility and Production Potential

Abstract

Despite important regional differences, some general properties with respect to fertility are common to most Amazonian Dark Earths: high total P and Ca contents and availability as well as often low N and K availability. The information compiled in this chapter explains the extent and mechanisms of the high fertility of Amazonian Dark Earths. However, the authors do not intend to advocate an exploitation of the high fertility of Amazonian Dark Earths, but rather to document the fertility potential of these special soils — highly weathered yet fertile — as well as to understand the properties of such soils with enhanced fertility. Contemporary efforts to develop sustainable landuse technologies should consider evidence provided by ADE research, regardless of whether ADE were intentionally made or not. Management to create fertile soils in the humid tropics has to consider the importance of organically bound nutrients that show low leaching combined with high availability similar to the properties shown here for Amazonian Dark Earths.