Quote - Put the AO node on the dirt's Diffuse_Value just like I showed. The AO node will darken whatever it is on, based on other things being nearby.

Ok, that seems pretty clear. I'm going to give that a try not only on the soil but a few other items in the scene that look "flat" too and see how it goes. Thanks :)

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi