Reconstrucción de la agricultura prehispánica en El Salvador previo a la erupción volcánica, a través del análisis de suelos

Research at the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site in El Salvador has uncovered exceptionally well-preserved evidence of pre-Hispanic agricultural practices, including furrows from maize fields dating to the Late Classic Period. Analysis of soil carbon isotopes (δ13C) revealed that C4 plants, such as maize, were cultivated in the region before the volcanic eruption of Ilopango. Similar findings were observed at other sites like Antiguo Cuscatlan and Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero Boulevard, where grooves under volcanic ash layers provided clues to past agricultural activities. The study highlights the potential of soil analysis to reconstruct ancient farming practices when direct plant remains are absent.

Ito, N., Watanabe, T., & Kimura, M. (2018). Reconstruction of pre-Hispanic agriculture in El Salvador prior to volcanic eruption, through soil analysis. Revista de Museología “Kóot”, (9), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.5377/koot.v0i9.5903