Soil conditions and composition The karstic landscape makes for very poor drainage which reflects in the erosion of soil minerals in the wetland areas (by means of run-off activity and waterlogged condition). The soil profile of Figure 1 [12] shows how layers of peats, flood deposit and gypsum layered from Late Preclassic through Classic Periods (circa 2000 to 1000 B.P.). Ground waters rose and precipitated Gypsum which then combined with sediment from uplands burying other layers becoming a stable soil surface.
Despite poorly mineralized soil composition the soil profile demonstrates a natural turnover of mineral deficient soil to acceptable stable soil layers. The trenching of drainage canals would have aerated and mix sub soils with top soils, higher field zones would have consisted of lower ion exchange and helped germinate crops .[12] |
Studies and analysis
Various studies andproxy surveys have been performed in relation to the limitations and challenges posed by wetland areas as agriculture sites. There is evidence that provides consideration to a natural tipping point of mineral deficient soil and high water table levels. Wetland field systems that have been identified as being used by the Central Lowland Maya demonstrate a return of utilization pattern [12,16]. It is evident that the Central Lowland Maya were able to cope with poor agriculture conditions.