Mn, K, Fe. This is a necessary voluntary restriction to 
provide a pool of elements that demonstrated the most 
stability in a dynamic and evolving mutualism between the 
inorganic and organic, the non-living and living interface. 
Elemental analysis of non-anthropogenic soil samples off- 
site will provide a background with which to compare the 
ASH and organic residue samples. If ash or residue element 
levels are greater than that of the soil background levels, 
then the following calculation can be made: 
~~ Soi) 
TRACE ELEMENT 
Soil CONCENTRATION (T.E.C.) 
Where X=ASH, or organic residue concentration level. 
We propose the idea of Trace Type. That is, then, a series of 
5 T.E.C. measurements typifying a given feature. They are: 
a. PO, 
b. Mn 
c. K 
d. Fe 
e. Hyper-accumulating variable(s) 
It is the Total Trace Type that must be utilized in 
standardization and comparison to residues within the site 
and to other reference materials. 
Once the structure of the feature is established, one can 
potentially interpret or ascribe function(s) to the feature, 
relative to plant use. This is particularly feasible in cases 
where there was low plant diversity and use of hyper- 
accumulating plants. The soil background samples and 
those of the feature are analyzed by neutron activation 
analysis, using the 40 low mobility elements, if detectable. In 
turn, ancient and modern species are analyzed, utilizing 
available ethnobotanical evidence of species identified 
within the feature or site. A comparison of the results will 
allow one to specify the nature of plant utilization. 
If there are primary trees that appear to have been in 
residence during site occupation, they should be cored and 
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