Workshop on Paleopedology, Palenque, Mexico - 2026
The Field International Workshop on Paleopedology, titled “Ancient soils, living landscapes,” was held in Palenque from 19–26 February 2026. It focused on understanding ancient human–environment interactions in the Maya lowlands through soil studies. The event combined two days of scientific sessions with five days of field excursions across diverse landscapes. Participants explored environments ranging from alluvial plains to highland regions shaped by ancient Maya civilizations. A key aim was to reconstruct anthropogenic landscape transformations using paleosols as environmental archives. Topics included soil memory, micromorphology, and distinguishing natural versus human-induced soil processes. The workshop emphasized classification of archaeological soils and the formation of anthropogenic ecosystems. New analytical methods and quantitative approaches in paleopedology were also highlighted. It was organized by international bodies such as International Union of Soil Sciences and International Union for Quaternary Research, alongside Mexican institutions. Overall, the workshop promoted interdisciplinary collaboration to link ancient soils with modern environmental and sustainability challenges.