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 Klír
Date: 26 June 2024
DOI: 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.