Abstract

KILLIAN GALVAN, Violeta A et al. Stable isotope studies on current home gardens of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina). Their potential contribution to Argentine Northwest paleodietarystudies. Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2015, vol.8, n.2, pp.107-118. ISSN 1852-060X.

We present a methodological proposal for the construction of a frame of reference in paleodietary research through the analysis of Carbon and Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C y δ15N) in archaeology. In particular, we focus on the effect of certain harvest practices in the isotopic values of plants from family farms (the species chosen being Zea mays, Solanum tuberosum, Amaranthus caudatus, Chenopodiumquinoa and Opuntia ficus-indica, this last as a wild plant from the area). The methodology consist in: collection of information among local producers, soil characterization in terms of their chemical properties (Ph, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and nitrate) and analysis of isotopic values from plants. Considering the results, we can state that at least in semi-arid environments, such as Quebrada de Humahuaca, nutrient availability in soils impact in Zeamaysδ15N values. While there is not a linear relationship between the proposed variables and the isotopic result obtained, a wider range of values was found when soil quality was lower.

Keywords : .

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )