Soil Phosforus Analysis as an Itegrative Tool for Recognizing Ancient Ploughsoils

Two different methods of analysis of the phosphorus content of the soil were applied to two different archaeological areas, already interpreted as probable Roman ploughsoils through the study of the archaeological indicators. Both the fractionation method and the comparison of the organic versus total phosphorus content supported the interpretation of an ancient agricultural use of these soils, but it is worth underlining that the latter method is quicker and less expensive. The work confirms the usefulness of soil phosphorus analysis for archaeological purposes.