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The existence of an anthropogenic and C-enriched dark soil in different parts of the world and especially in Amazonia (Amazonian Dark Earths (ADE) or Terra Preta de Índio) proves that the predominant Ferralsols and Acrisols can be transformed into fertile soils. The ADE’s fertility is most likely linked to an anthropogenic accumulation of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and black C as charcoal. Charcoal persists in the environment over centuries and is responsible for the stability of the ADE’s SOM. Today and as assumed also in the past, those soils have been intensively cultivated by the native population.
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