Sowing, Monitoring, Detecting: A Possible Solution to Improve the Visibility of Cropmarks in Cultivated Fields.

Abstract

This study explores the integration of UAS-based multispectral remote sensing and targeted agricultural practises to improve cropmark detection in buried archaeological contexts. The research focuses on the Vignale plateau, part of the pre-Roman city of Falerii (Viterbo, Italy), where traditional remote sensing methods face challenges due to complex environmental and archaeological conditions. As part of the Falerii Project at Sapienza Università di Roma, a field was cultivated with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), selected for its characteristics, enabling a controlled experiment to maximise cropmark visibility. The project employed high-density sowing, natural cultivation practises, and monitoring through a weather station and multispectral imaging to observe crop growth and detect anomalies. The results demonstrated enhanced crop uniformity, facilitating the identification and differentiation of cropmarks. Environmental factors, particularly rainfall and temperature, were shown to significantly influence crop development and cropmark formation. This interdisciplinary approach also engaged local stakeholders, including students from the Istituto Agrario Midossi, fostering educational opportunities and community involvement. The study highlights how tailored agricultural strategies, combined with advanced remote sensing technologies, can significantly improve the precision and efficiency of non-invasive archaeological investigations. These findings suggest potential developments for refining the methodology, offering a sustainable and integrative model for future research.