Archaeometric contributions to agropastoral production research in Aguada society (Ambato Valley, Catamarca)

Abstract This work shows the results of a series of recently conducted archaeometric studies (camelid skeletal remains nitrogen, carbon and strontium isotopes analysis, and silicophytoliths and starches analysis to sediment recovered from cultivation terraces), to study how the economy in Ambato Valley, Catamarca, Argentina was organized from 6th to 11th A.D. For this time period and region under study, we propose the existence of an intensive integrated agro-pastoral production model, limited to a small geographic area. Thus, through cultivated plant species identification, knowledge about camelid origins and herds management, coupled with possible manure use as fertilizer to increase agricultural production, we will have new elements to analyze the proposed model feasibility. The results obtained from isotopic studies in the valley allow us to suggest the presence of locally raised camelids, as well as camelids from outside the valley. In addition, two distinct forms of herd management, and a low use of manure as fertilizer were identified. Additionally, microfossil studies results made it possible to record crop farming that had not been already identified in the area. Although these new data allow us to maintain the validity of the previously postulated integrated agropastoral system to the valley, it is certain that it also leads us to reconsider and/or to reflect on some of its operational aspects.