Brussels: 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 have discovered that the smoke releases nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which acts as a natural fertilizer when deposited on untouched rainforest areas.

According to Anadolu Agency, researchers from Belgium's Antwerp University and the CREAF research center in Barcelona found that this process promotes tree growth and increases carbon dioxide absorption. Most fires occur in the heavily deforested southern Amazon, and during the dry season, winds carry smoke north and east, where phosphorus settles on intact forest soils.

The study revealed that phosphorus had a stronger impact on tree growth than temperature or rainfall. By 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. Trees also developed denser canopies, allowing them to capture more sunlight and carbon dioxide.

The scientists emphasized that forest fires remain a major environmental threat but noted that the findings highlight the interconnected nature of ecosystems. While fires release carbon locally, they may inadvertently enhance carbon uptake in distant forest areas.