The surface area you create via pyrolysis in organic matter to create the bio-char for microoragnisms is actually really impressive and a low cost way to maintain soil fertility.
Graham Hancock actually made the point in his book America Before [1], that Amazonian People actually cultivated the Amazon Forest as we would with Nature Preserves in National Forests. Its a pretty interesting perspective I never considered being from the West and took the Amazon for granted, but it makes sense when your way of life relies on Natural Paganism and Biodiversity the abundance of of wild-life to help feed your People.
1: https://www.amazon.com/America-Before-Earths-Lost-Civilizati...
See also: https://www.amazon.com/America-Before-Earths-Lost-Civilizati...