Hi All:
I recall I first read about these soils in " Botany of Desire " but I did not realize their potential.
This entire thread on 'Terra Preta' soils I feel has great possibilities to revolutionize sustainable agriculture into a major CO2 sequestration strategy.
http://forums.hypography.com/earth-science/3451-terra-preta-9.html

The Georgia Inst. of Technology page: http://www.energy.gatech.edu/presentations/dday.pdf

There is a soil ecology going on in these soils that is not completely understood, and if replicated and applied at scale would have multiple benefits for farmers and environmentalist.

As you will see the Japanese work with these soils is most impressive.

I've sent it to the researchers at M-Roots, who make Mycorisal fungus inoculations for acceleration of the reestablishment of the symbiotic fungal / root relationship. Here's the M-Roots site: http://www.rootsinc.com/

Another finding that supports the need to develope these soils on a large scale:

New Scientist News - Fertilisers give the lungs of the planet bad breath

http://www.newscientist.com/article/...ad-breath.h tml


Erich

Erich,
I got a "Bad request" error when I clicked on your link. Perhaps you could find another link?

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19025575.200&feedId=life_rss20

Thanks, Erich! Much obliged.

Terra Preta is on the Agenda at the 18th World Crongress of Soil Science:

The Rescue of an Old Indigenous Practice in the Tropics - Using Charcoal to Improve Soil Quality.


http://crops.confex.com/crops/wc2006/techprogram/P16274.HTM