Recent Soil Study Research in Irish Archaeological Prospection Strategies

This paper addresses the current state of soil studies incorporated within archaeological prospection strategies in Ireland. Many publications fail to address the importance of soil science in their understanding of archaeological prospection data. The challenges presented by archaeological prospection, particularly in relation to the importance of soils and geology in a country dominated by carboniferous limestones, tills and peats, are reviewed. Six case studies demonstrate the integration of soil studies and their application to archaeological prospection. The challenges are not confined to soils and geology—an emergent knowledge gap is stifling the successful application of soil science for archaeology. The case studies presented in this paper emphasise the ease and benefits of incorporating soil science within a project, with preferences for soil recovery and analysis to aid (or refine) archaeological interpretations, and determine (in)appropriate methods of further research. More collaboration is required between geophysicists, excavators and soil scientists in order to plan, retrieve and analyse samples, as well as focused thought on how such data should be used to increase our knowledge of soil influence.