The Amazon rainforest is known for its rich and fertile soil, especially the nutrient-rich “dark earth” soil that has been cultivated by Indigenous communities for centuries. A recent study has found that this special soil may have the potential to store billions of tonnes of carbon, which is nearly equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions in the United States. This discovery suggests that the Amazon rainforest plays a much larger role in stabilizing the global climate than previously believed.
The soil, also known as “terra preta,” is distinctively dark in color due to the practice of spreading ash and organic waste around settlements. Compared to the region’s usual sandy and nutrient-poor soils, this dark earth soil is more fertile and has the ability to store double the amount of carbon. The Xingu Indigenous Park in the Amazon is estimated to have more than 91,000 hectares of this nutrient-rich soil, highlighting the significant carbon storage capacity of the region.
This new finding sheds light on the importance of Indigenous land management practices in maintaining the health and sustainability of the Amazon rainforest. By incorporating organic waste and ash into the soil, Indigenous communities have unknowingly been contributing to the sequestration of carbon, which is essential for mitigating climate change.
In addition to its carbon storage potential, the dark earth soil also supports greater biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The fertility of this soil allows for better crop yields and provides a sustainable source of food for Indigenous communities living in the Amazon.
Overall, the discovery of the carbon storage capacity of the Amazon’s dark earth soil underscores the importance of preserving Indigenous land management practices and protecting the rainforest. By recognizing the value of these traditional practices, we can take a step towards safeguarding the Amazon and combating climate change on a global scale. The intricate relationship between Indigenous communities, the land, and the environment highlights the need for sustainable and holistic approaches to conservation and land management.