Research on Historical Land Use through Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes
The study by Martin Janovský, Laszlo Ferenczi, Jakub Trubač, and Tomáš Klír presents new insights into how stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis aids in reconstructing historical land use. It focuses on a medieval estate near the Cistercian monastery in Plasy. The findings reveal that soils impacted by historical agriculture show unique isotopic signatures that can differentiate between crop cultivation and livestock grazing. This approach enables the identification of past crop types, such as C3 cycle plants (e.g., cereals), and assesses manuring levels.
Isotope analysis allows researchers to detect agricultural activity even centuries after an area has been abandoned. This method provides a deeper understanding of historical land-use practices, offering insights into the ecological and economic impacts of past civilizations. The study emphasizes the significance of the Cistercian order in shaping medieval European landscapes and highlights the value of geochemical methods in archaeology.
You can read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63563-1.