Reviving the Amazon with Ancient Dark Earth.

Researchers have found that the ancient Amazonian dark earth (ADE) soil, created by the Amerindians 2,000 to 2,500 years ago, can greatly improve an ecosystem's transition from pasture to rainforest. The soil is rich in minerals and microorganisms that are beneficial to plant health and growth. The study suggests that ADE could be used to speed up ecological restoration projects in the Amazon, which is on the brink of a catastrophic collapse. The findings could help recover the lost habitat and biodiversity in the region, even in a warming world.