研究通过分析98个土壤剖面中稳定碳同位素（δ13C），探索了危地马拉蒂卡尔附近土壤有机质的演变，揭示了与古代玉米农业相关的植被变化。证据显示，深埋的阿吉乌德和hapludolls土壤见证了农业活动的影响，而浅层Haprendolls则缺乏历史植被变化的明显标志。通过位置、土壤化学性质和磷含量，考古学家得以辨识农业区及理解土壤中碳同位素动态的独特环境背景。
摘要：
Soil science methodologies often enrich archaeological reconstructions. In the Maya Lowlands of Mesoamerica, stable carbon (C) isotope ratio (δ13C) analysis of soil organic matter (SOM) from profiles near ancient archaeological sites has been used to interpret the vegetative histories related to ancient maize agriculture. Due to distinct photosynthetic processes, the decomposed organic matter from the cultivation of maize can be distinguished from SOM derived from native forest detritus. The recalcitrant nature of humic substances allows for this distinction to be preserved through time. This study evaluates SOM δ13C from 98 soil profiles near Tikal, Guatemala to identify areas of ancient Maya agriculture and the staple crops used. Ancillary physical and chemical properties of the soil profiles were examined to facilitate and to supplement the interpretation of the isotope data. Most of the soils analyzed in this study are shallow Haprendolls with limited C isotopic evidence of prehistoric vegetation changes. The deeper, well-developed Argiudolls and Hapludolls contained strong evidence of vegetation changes associated with ancient maize agriculture. Areas with strong δ13C signatures of ancient C4 vegetation corresponded with foot- and toeslope locations, high clay content and low phosphorus (P) levels. The shallow backslope soils lacked significant evidence of ancient agriculture. The connections between profile location, settlement, isotope data, and P levels enable the identification of both agriculture production zones and enhanced understanding of stable C isotope dynamics in soils within the unique physiographic and archaeological surroundings of the Maya Lowlands.
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