Forest Regrowth and the End of Upland Farming at Picuris: Evidence from Tree Rings

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Collaborative Archaeology at Picuris Pueblo: The New History" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Kilometers of terraced rock alignments characterize the upland slopes of the Picuris Pueblo watershed, capturing rainfall runoff in a water-efficient method of irrigation to combat the aridity of the Southwest. The terraces’ effective use of runoff rainfall and space supported the Pueblo's population growth and Plains-Pueblo trade during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. After agricultural production in the upland slopes ended, the terraces have supported the growth of dense juniper, pinon, and ponderosa forests. Through dendrochronological analysis of tree ring samples taken in the regrowth forests of the Picuris agricultural fields, we are studying the historical and climate impacts of the field systems. The end-date of upland farming, whether aligned with climate crisis or historical event, will shed light on the changing agricultural practices of Picuris Pueblo. Furthermore, climate and streamflow reconstructions using the tree-ring samples will quantify the positive impact of Picuris land management on the preservation and health of forests in an arid climate.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Collaborative Archaeology at Picuris Pueblo: The New History   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39397.0