This study, published in the journal Frontiers in Soil Science, introduces a promising avenue for sustainable biotech applications designed to combat land degradation.
The research was conducted as part of FAPESP ‘s Biodiversity, Characterization, Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use Program (BIOTA).
Focus of thr study The researchers embarked on an in-depth exploration of Amazon dark earth, a soil type known for its nutrient richness and bustling community of microorganisms. Indigenous Amazonians have appreciated these benefits for generations, using the soil in crop cultivation without resorting to artificial fertilizers.
Luís Felipe Guandalin Zagatto is a master’s student at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA-USP) and co-author of the study.
“ADE is rich in nutrients and supports communities of microorganisms that help plants grow, among other things. Native people of the Amazon have used ADE to grow food for centuries and don’t need fertilizer for plants,” said Zagatto.
What the researchers learned The team discovered that the microorganisms living within ADE, such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other microorganisms, provided significant benefits to plant growth.
When ADE was mixed with ordinary soil, tree growth of three species being monitored experienced a significant surge. In particular, Brazilian cedarwood and Yellow poinciana seedlings grew up to five times their typical height in soil enriched with 20% ADE.
Even more striking, their growth was three to six times greater in 100% ADE soil than in control soil. Ambay pumpwood’s response was most notable – it failed to grow in control soil but thrived in 100% ADE.
In addition to tree growth, the researchers noticed an increase in the dry mass of Brachiaria forage grass, a common pasture plant. This grass flourished in ADE-enriched soil, growing three times more in soil with 20% ADE, and eight times more in 100% ADE soil compared to control soil.