While studying ancient Amazonian agriculture, where soils are naturally poor, Mark Ervin set out to understand how communities in this area were able to grow food successfully. What he found changed his view of modern agriculture: soils that improved over time.

In the Amazon, he learned of Terra Preta, or “black earth,” a man-made soil system created by Indigenous communities centuries ago that remains rich, productive, and biologically active today.

Built using organic matter, charcoal, and living microbes, this system worked in harmony with nature and created a self-sustaining cycle of fertility.

It didn’t just stay fertile — it became more fertile over time.