Amazon wildfire smoke may boost rainforest growth, study finds

Researchers say phosphorus carried by smoke acts as natural fertilizer, increasing tree growth, carbon absorption in intact forest areas

Smoke from forest fires in the Amazon, while highly destructive, may have an unexpected effect by accelerating growth in parts of the rainforest, a new study suggests. Researchers from Belgium's Antwerp University and the CREAF research center in Barcelona found that smoke releases nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which act as a natural fertilizer when deposited on untouched rainforest areas, the Belga news agency reported Tuesday. The process promotes tree growth and increases carbon dioxide absorption, the researchers said. Most fires occur in the heavily deforested southern Amazon. During the dry season, winds carry smoke north and east, where phosphorus settles on intact forest soils. The study found phosphorus had a stronger impact on tree growth than temperature or rainfall. Using satellite data, researchers observed higher photosynthesis rates in regions receiving greater phosphorus deposition. On average, each additional milligram of phosphorus per square meter increased annual carbon storage by about 7.4 grams, the researchers said. Trees also developed denser canopies, allowing them to capture more sunlight and carbon dioxide. The scientists stressed that forest fires remain a major environmental threat but said the findings highlight the interconnected nature of ecosystems. While fires release carbon locally, they may inadvertently enhance carbon uptake in distant forest areas.