Amazonian Dark Earths: Explorations in Space and Time [Hardcover]

1 Towards an Understanding of Amazonian Dark Earths.- 2 History, Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives of Geoecological Research Concerning the Origin of Amazonian Anthropogenic Dark Earths (Terra Preta).- 3 Evolution of the Scientific Knowledge Regarding Archaeological Black Earths of Amazonia.- 4 A Geographical Method for Anthrosol Characterization in Amazonia: Contributions to Method and Human Ecological Theory.- 5 Paleoriverine Features of the Amazon Lowlands: Human Use of the 'Arena Negra' Soils of Lake Charo, Northeastern Peru.- 6 Dark Earth in the Upper Amazon.- 7 Organic Matter in Archaeological Black Earths and Yellow Latosol in the Caxiuan?, Amazonia, Brazil.- 8 Sequential P Fractionation of Relict Anthropogenic Dark Earths of Amazonia.- 9 The Timing of Terra Preta Formation in the Central Amazon: Archaeological Data from the Three Sites.- 10 Semi-Intensive Pre-European Cultivation and the Origins of Anthropogenic Dark Earths in Amazonia.- 11 Identifying the Pre-Columbian Anthropogenic Input on Present Soil Properties of Amazonian Dark Earths (Terra Preta).- 12 Use of Space and Formation of Terra Preta: The Asurini do Xingu Case Study.- 13 Research on Anthropogenic Dark Earth Soils. Could It Be a Solution for Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Amazon?.- 14 Slash and Char: An Alternative to Slash and Burn Practiced in the Amazon Basin.- 15 Microbial Response to Charcoal Amendments of Highly Weathered Soils and Amazonian Dark Earths in Central Amazonia - Preliminary Results.

From the reviews:

Concern for the environmental health of Amazonia is at the forefront of current international environmental issues. & Even more uncommonly discussed is the existence of dark earths, the subject of this book. & Coverage ranges from a review of the literature to discussion of appropriate methodology. & the book is well written and an excellent resource on this topic. & it will be valuable for all academic librarl£,