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Cited by 1Archaeology and ancient environmental studiesAmazonian Archaeology and EthnohistoryIsotope Analysis in Ecology

Extending Maize Isotopic Evidence for Pre-contact Indigenous Agronomy to the Middle Connecticut River Valley, Connecticut, USA

Hart, John P., Dotzel, Krista M., Winchell-Sweeney, Susan·2026·Journal of Field Archaeology
DOI 10.1080/00934690.2025.2577501
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Abstract

Little is known about pre-contact Indigenous agronomic practices in northeastern North America. While there is historical documentation from the early 20th century A.D. of field remnants, only a few have been subject to archaeological investigation. Recently obtained stable nitrogen isotope ratio measurements (15 N/ 14 N or δ 15 N) on charred maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) kernels have led to new insights on pre-contact Iroquoian agronomy. Here, we extend that analysis to the Burnham-Shepard and Morgan sites in Connecticut, two key late pre-contact Algonquian sites in the Connecticut River Valley. Results of δ 15 N on maize kernels recovered from these sites indicate nitrogen was not a limiting factor for maize in the sites' agricultural fields. New AMS dates on maize and other annual plant structures revise the occupational chronology of both sites. ARTICLE HISTORY

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  18. 10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.103913 · DOI

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Authors
Hart, J. P., Dotzel, K. M., & Winchell-Sweeney, S.
Affiliations
  • New York State Museum (US)
  • Independent Researcher
Corresponding author
Hart, John P.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Field Archaeology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2025-11-06
Volume
51
Issue
3
Pages
212-223
ISSN
  • 0093-4690 (ISSN-L)
  • 2042-4582
DOI
10.1080/00934690.2025.2577501
OpenAlex
W4415956930
Cited by
1
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
1.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Journal of Field Archaeology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Paleontology › Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Amazonian Archaeology and Ethnohistory
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Isotope Analysis in Ecology
Keywords
maize, stable nitrogen isotopes, Algonquian, Connecticut Valley, nitrogen limitation, AMS radiocarbon dating

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