In the Amazon there are areas with soils that were significantly affected by prehistoric man. These soils, called Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA), are dark in color and contain remains of archeological material (ceramic fragments, lithic artifacts). They have high Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, P, and C contents, possibly resulting from the large accumulation of unconsumed organic matter (food remains, leaves, seeds, vegetable peelings, etc.). TPA soils are found in the Caxiuanã region, where this study is being carried out in conjunction with the Project "Geoarchaeological Studies at the Scientific Station Ferreira Penna, Caxiuanã-PA region". The present work consists in determining the chemical composition of the leaves, stems and roots (including the bark) of wild and wild cassava, as well as its influence on the soils of TPA. The importance of this study is due to the fact that cassava has been widely used as a subsistence crop by prehistoric Amazonian peoples. The research is still in its initial phase, with the cataloging of known cassava species in the Amazon, their chemical composition and form of use by the population. In addition, samples were collected in the study area, which will be classified and chemically analyzed during the course of this project.
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