Plant productivity enhancement in a simulated Amazonian Dark Earth (Terra Preta Nova).
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Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are highly fertile human-made soils, commonly found in Amazonia. These soils have a unique soil biota and a high content of charcoal, organic C, available P and Ca as a result of repeated burning and additions of bone and organic matter (OM) over centuries of Amerindian occupation. ?Terra Preta Nova? techniques aim to replicate these soils by adding ADE components, but little is known of their single and synergistic impacts on plant productivity. We replicated an ADE by adding five distinct components and studying their single and interactive effects on maize production in the greenhouse. Earthworms (Pontoscolex corethrurus), OM (horse manure), biochar (from Brazil nut), ground fish bones and pottery sherds were added to a nutrient poor soil, and after 60 days plant height, above and below-ground (root) biomass, root length, and soil fertility levels were assessed. The main components affecting plant productivity were earthworms, OM and fish bone meal, with significant synergistic effects, while biochar and pottery, although significant, were not as important for plant growth and soil fertility.
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Agricultural sustainability, Soil amelioration, Soil fertility, Soil biology, Amazonia