Terras pretas in Amazonien
Terras pretas (Amazonian Dark Earth) in Amazonien. Lokales Wissen, aktuelle Nutzung und Möglichkeiten nachhaltigen Managements
gemeinsam mit Dr. Clemens Geitner, Universität Innsbruck
Laufzeit: 2009 - 2010
Finanzierung: Universität Innsbruck, Aktion "Swarovski"
Hastik, R. & Geitner, C. & Neuburger, M. (2013): Amazonian Dark Earths in Bolivia? A Soil Study of Anthropogenic Ring Ditches Near Baures (Eastern Llanos de Mojos). In Erdkunde, 67 (2), S. 137-149.
Abstract
Intensified research on human-environment interrelations in the Amazon shows the wide ranging influence of past land use systems and questions the idea of Amazonia as an untouched region. Many studies reveal pre-colonial heritage such as Amazonian Dark Earths, focusing their characteristics and genesis. However, little attention is paid to current land use systems. The presented study emphasises on the analysis of landscape structure and land use systems in the Llanos de Mojos (Bolivia) as natural ecosystem transformed by historical and recent human action/activities that – in turn – was and is influenced by environmental conditions as well as perception and knowledge of local farmers. Geodata analysis gives an overview on landscape elements of the region and shows that main parts of the lowlands are anthropogenic altered. Integrating local farmers’ view of soils into the study allows to clarify human-environment interrelations from different angles and reflect scientific results. By conducting field work considerable differences of underlying concepts of local and scientific knowledge about soils and adequate soil management occurred. Nevertheless, both scientific analysis and farmer’s statements show that soil fertility is elevated on pre-colonial ring ditches. Preliminary results indicate that this fact might arise from practices of former inhabitants which are comparable to the creation of Amazonian Dark Earths.