Tropical rainforest soil is normally infertile due to immense eluviation. However, ancient civilizations in the Amazon fixed this problem with the invention of Terra Preta (TP), an anthropogenic soil that is extremely fertile. Despite extensive research on the topic, little is known of the ceramic’s role in TP. This study uses experimental soils to evaluate the role ceramics play in Terra Preta. To do this, I tested three portions of nutrient enhanced soil – one with no additives, one with perlite, and one with ceramic sherds. Ceramics influenced the soil in two ways. First, they improved water retention. Second, they slowed nutrient removal by reducing leaching. This work provides a new piece to the Terra Preta puzzle and can help explain why this soil has persisted for so long in an unforgiving environment.
