Contributed by Dr. Harper Dine
Phytolith processing of soils collected during the 2024 field season has begun at the University of Exeter Chem Lab! To maximize phytolith visibility under the microscope, the soils must undergo an extensive sequence of steps including deflocculation (breaking up clumps), sieving, clay removal, and digestion of carbonates and organics. Here you can see the dramatic before-and-after from clay removal.
Phytolith datasets from these samples will contribute to our understanding of long-term ecology, plant management, and agriculture in the region. Keep an eye out for exciting updates!