Modelling the ancient maize agriculture potential of landforms in Tikal National Park, Guatemala

A predictive model of ancient maize agriculture in Tikal National Park reveals that bajo margins were likely used for sustained farming, while upland Rendolls soils showed long-term C3 vegetation signatures, suggesting diverse food production systems. The study combined non-parametric regression, stable carbon isotopes, soil properties, and remote-sensing data to identify areas with strong C4 isotopic enrichment indicative of maize cultivation. Upland regions lacked clear C4 signals, implying alternative land-use practices such as silviculture or forest gardens. This approach provides a cost-effective method for reconstructing subsistence strategies in ancient polities.

Balzotti, C. S., Webster, D. L., Murtha, T. M., Petersen, S. L., Burnett, R. L., & Terry, R. E. (2013). Modelling the ancient maize agriculture potential of landforms in Tikal National Park, Guatemala. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 34(16), 5868–5891. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2013.798876