A geospatial method for estimating soil moisture variability in prehistoric agricultural landscapes

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Environmental Science
• Geospatial Analysis

Background:

• Prehistoric agricultural societies, like the Ancestral Pueblo, depended on environmental factors for crop production.
• Maize agriculture became increasingly vital for Ancestral Pueblo communities in the Mesa Verde region by AD 900.
• Sufficient soil moisture is critical for successful plant growth and agricultural success.

Observation:

• Farmers historically selected sites based on environmental conditions, particularly soil moisture.
• Understanding soil moisture potential is key to evaluating farmland quality.

Findings:

• A static geospatial model, the Soil Moisture Proxy Model, was developed using soil and topographic data.
• This model estimates soil moisture potential across watersheds.
• The model was successfully applied to the Goodman watershed in southwestern Colorado and validated against other watersheds and sensor data.

Implications:

• The Soil Moisture Proxy Model offers a framework for assessing farmland potential in water-limited regions globally.
• This research enhances our comprehension of prehistoric land-use strategies and human-environmental interactions.
• The findings contribute to understanding the interplay between landscape, agriculture, and ancient societies.