Dataset to the study published in Scientific Reports: Stable isotope analysis in soil prospection reveals the type of historic land-use under contemporary temperate forests in Europe

Stable Isotope Analysis in Soil Prospection: Dataset for Historic Land-Use Reconstruction

Authors: Martin P. Janovský, Laszlo Ferenczi, Jakub Trubač, Tomáš KlírDate: 26 June 2024DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63563-1

Description

This dataset supports the study "Stable isotope analysis in soil prospection reveals the type of historic land-use under contemporary temperate forests in Europe" (published in Scientific Reports). The dataset contains isotopic measurements (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) from soil samples collected at a medieval Cistercian manor site in Western Bohemia, Czechia. The study investigates land-use history and agricultural practices through stable isotope analysis, offering insights into past fertilization and crop cultivation.

Contents

Soil Sample Data: δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values, elemental composition (C, N, P), C:N ratios, N:P ratios.

Spatial Zonation: Categorization of sampling areas, including the medieval manor (COURT), surrounding medieval fields (MEDIEVAL FIELD), the adjacent medieval village (MEDIEVAL VILLAGE), and modern agricultural fields (FIELDS).

Comparative Datasets: Archaeobotanical, soil, and sediment samples from various regions (Czechia, Slovakia, Peru, Kenya, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, UK) to contextualize local findings.

LiDAR Interpretation Data: Analysis of historic field systems and settlement structures, indicating past land-use patterns.

Methodology

Stable Isotope Analysis: Conducted using a Thermo Flash 2000 elemental analyser connected to a Thermo Delta V Advantage isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Geochemical Analysis: Phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon contents measured via ED-XRF and ICP-MS techniques.

Statistical Processing: Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) were applied to analyze spatial variations in soil chemistry and isotopic values.

Key Findings

The study identifies cereal cultivation (C3 plants) as the dominant historic land use at the site, with limited evidence of grazing.

Elevated δ¹⁵N values in medieval fields suggest fertilization practices, likely linked to medieval agricultural management.

Soil geochemical signatures provide strong evidence for past land use and anthropogenic influence, even after centuries of forest regrowth.