Lehmann J., Kern D.C., Glaser B., Woods W.J. (Eds.) Amazonian Dark Earths: Origin, Properties, Management

New York: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004. – 519 p.This book is divided into four sections. In the first set of chapters, we provide a historical perspective of the research on anthropogenic soils in general and the place that Amazonian Dark Earths have in it. Our current knowledge about their origin and distribution is discussed and a comprehensive classification scheme for these soils is suggested here for the first time. In the second section of the book, the properties of Amazonian Dark Earths are presented with respect to soil fertility, soil organic matter quantity and quality, carbon sequestration, agro-biodiversity from a researcher’s point of view as well as the farmer’s perspective of its properties. The third section provides an overview of methods relevant to research on Amazonian Dark Earths. While not intended to serve as a complete guide to methodological procedures, this overview highlights the specific opportunities created by the discussed methods, the challenges encountered when applying the methods to Amazonian Dark Earths, and how these challenges are met. Specific areas include documentary research; archaeobotanical research; methods assessing soil organic matter, soil biology, soil physics, soil chemistry; microscopic and geochemical methods. The fourth section deals with the current management of soils around homesteads and agricultural fields. These chapters discuss the creation of Amazonian Dark Earths, as well as the contemporary management of Amazonian Dark Earths. The latter includes non-agricultural soil uses, soil fertility, and weed management strategies for increasing agricultural productivity.List of AuthorsForeword
Discovering Amazonian Dark Earths
Development of Anthrosol Research
Historical Perspectives on Amazonian Dark Earths
Historical and Socio-cultural Origins of Amazonian Dark Earths
Distribution of Amazonian Dark Earths in the Brazilian Amazon
Classification of Amazonian Dark Earths and other Ancient Anthropic Soils
Properties of Amazonian Dark Earths
Soil Fertility and Production Potential
Amazonian Dark Earths as Carbon Stores and Sinks
Soil Organic Matter Stability in Amazonian Dark Earths
Agrobiodiversity in Amazфnia and its Relationship with Dark Earths
Ethnoscientific Understandings of Amazonian Dark Earths
Methods For Characterization Of Amazonian Dark Earths
Archaeobotanical Methods for the Study of Amazonian Dark Earths
Organic Chemistry Studies on Amazonian Dark Earths
The Use of Micromorphology for the Study of the Formation and Properties of Amazonian Dark Earths
Determining Nutrient Bioavailability of Amazonian Dark Earth Soils – Methodological Challenges
Soil Physical Characterization
Amazonian Dark Earths: Biological Measurements
Pedogeochemical and Mineralogical Analyses of Amazonian Dark Earths
Amazonian Dark Earth Management
Indigenous Soil Management and the Creation of Amazonian Dark Earths: Implications of Kayapу Practices
Cultural Behaviors of Indigenous Populations and the Formation of the Archaeological Record in Amazonian Dark Earth: the Asurini Do Xingú Case Study
Contemporary Use and Management of Amazonian Dark Earths
The Effect of Management on the Fertility of Amazonian Dark Earth Soils
Weed Population Dynamics and Management on Amazonian Dark Earth
Historical Ecology and Future Explorations
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