Archaeobotany is the recovery and identification of plant remains from archaeological sites and begins with the collection of bulk soil samples during excavations. Next, field and/or laboratory flotation of soil samples, microscopic sorting of macroplant assemblages, seed and wood charcoal identification, and quantification of macroplant remains by count and weight is conducted to attempt to reconstruct past environments. New South Associates' Subsistence Studies program offers archaeobotanical analysis services to other CRM firms as well as for its own projects. New South Associates can perform both field and laboratory flotation of soil samples and provides all necessary equipment and trained personnel to our clients.

New South Associates’ archaeobotanical studies are supported by a modern botanical reference collection of seeds, wood, and technical library of more than 250 archaeobotanical and botanical reference works. Standard statistical analysis procedures are always used to interpret raw count and weight data. Several different comparison ratios are typically used, including ratios of plant food remains to wood or other plant food remains, relative proportions of identified wood taxa and/or plant food remains, ubiquity of macroplant remains, and density (gm/L of floated soil) of macroplant remains. Once analysis is complete, raw data is provided in a compatible digital format to the client for further study and curation. Botanical results are interpreted within the natural and cultural context of the macro-and micro-region.

Why is archaeobotanical analysis important? Archaeobotanical studies contribute to archaeological studies in the following ways: assessment of the integrity of the archaeological deposits, determination of feature function, determination of subsistence practices and habitat exploitation, reconstruction of past local ecology, examination of forest composition and patterns of wood use, determination of seasons of occupation, and for historic sites and assessment of socioeconomic status, home gardening, access to markets, and ornamental plantings.

Archaeobotanist Leslie Raymer is conducting archaeobotanical analysis. This sample has been collected as a bulk soil sample from an archaeological site, then processed through flotation. Here, she is sorting through the processed sample by looking for organic material.