Scientists are uncovering a remarkable relic in the Amazon rainforest – a layer of soil known as “Amazonian dark earth” or ADE. This charcoal-black soil, created by ancient indigenous communities, is rich in organic matter and nutrients crucial for crop growth. The discovery of a 2,000 year-old city hidden in the rainforest has led to investigations of other possible ancient settlements, which relied on ADE for agricultural productivity. ADE has caught the attention of researchers and businesses alike due to its ability to trap carbon underground, offering potential solutions for improving soil and combating climate change.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240116-the-dark-earth-revealing-the-amazons-secrets