Physicochemical analysis of neotropical soils
Résumé
In archaeological contexts, physicochemical soil analyses are essential to distinguish between the anthropogenic characteristics of the soil and those resulting from soil formation processes. This involves several physicochemical characterisations of samples, which have been used since the first half of the last century in various regions of the world, but only recently in French Guiana. Ferralsols from French Guiana, and from the neotropics in general, are known to be acidic and nutrient poor, with particular properties. The choice of an appropriate methodology is important to understand the observed values and ultimately to compare the results between different projects. This chapter therefore presents each analysis and expected interpretations in light of past human activities.